Coughlan denies being overruled for show of confidence in Fás

TÁNAISTE Mary Coughlan has denied she was overruled by the Taoiseach on a decision to publicly express confidence in the Fás board following a recent report on the state agency by the spending watchdog, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

The opposition last night claimed the Government was “deeply divided” over the issue after one Fás board member, Niall Saul, claimed Brian Cowen blocked a statement when the Green Party threatened to pull out over the issue.

Chairman of the board, Peter McLoone, resigned from his position this week and the other board members are expected to do likewise in November.