FÁS chief quits over expenses row

The director general of FÁS has resigned over controversies surrounding €643,000 in transatlantic travel and expenses he and his executives enjoyed during a four-year period.

Rody Molloy’s resignation after eight years at the helm of the state training agency was accepted last night by Employment Minister Mary Coughlan, who is on a trade mission to the Gulf region.

The FÁS expenses were raised in the Dáil yesterday by Opposition party leaders who claimed they were extravagant waste of taxpayers’ money and abuse of privilege by senior public servants.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen, who described Mr Molloy as “an excellent public servant” on Monday, was forced to admit that the spending should not have occurred.

Information revealed by independent Senator Shane Ross detailed a $400 bill for a nail bar in

Florida and other receipts for golf outings and pay-per-view hotel movies.

Molloy defended taking his wife on trips with him and claimed he was entitled to travel first class but traded down to business class when his spouse came along.

Senator Dan Boyle welcomed Mr Molloy’s decision and called on other state agencies to examine how they spent taxpayers’ money.

“Given the level of public concern following a spate of recent revelations which raised questions about taxpayers’ money – I think it was good that Mr Molloy decided to stand aside,” said the Green Party finance spokesman.

He added: “I hope the FÁS experience will serve as a wake-up call to all other public bodies to ensure taxpayers’ money is spent prudently.”

The Public Accounts Committee is due to meet FÁS executives tomorrow to probe its financial affairs. An investigation by the Comptroller and Auditor General is also being carried out into the state agency.