Fás chiefs to appear before Dáil committee
Several top FÁS officials will appear before the Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC) today despite the resignation of embattled boss Rody Molloy.
The director general stepped down on Tuesday amid allegations of out-of-control spending at the training and employment agency.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen yesterday said Mr Molloy did the honourable thing by resigning over revelations the state body spent €643,000 over four years on transatlantic travel.
But the controversy deepened last night after it emerged Health Minister Mary Harney had a wash and blow dry at FÁS’ expense in 2004 during a visit to Florida for agency events.
Ms Harney was Tánaiste and Enterprise Minister at the time.
The details were revealed following rumours she was the person who received a $410 (€318) treatment at a nail and beauty salon in the US state in August 2005, which was paid for by FÁS.
Her spokesman denied this was the case, branding it “totally wrong”.
He said the hairdressing bill would not have amounted to $410 and that Ms Harney never had nail treatment on official business. He added Ms Harney travelled to the US on the government jet and the journey was not paid for by FÁS.
Fine Gael claimed Ms Harney’s position as Health Minister was now untenable.
PAC is investigating spending irregularities at the agency, which has a €1bn a year budget.
A probe by the Comptroller and Auditor General is also being carried out.
PAC chairman Bernard Allen said the meeting would go ahead today despite Mr Molloy’s resignation.
“The PAC had been investigating the financial operations of FÁS well in advance of the revelations regarding FÁS’ expenses being revealed.
“The PAC has already had two meetings with Fás’ senior management team since October and is determined to continue its work.”
The FÁS board held an emergency meeting last night sparked by the controversy.
Earlier Fine Gael said board members should consider their future.
The committee meeting begins at 9.45am. Officials from the Departments of Enterprise and Finance and the Comptroller and Auditor General John Buckley will also attend.
