Cowen says Molloy did right thing

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen has again defended former FÁS director general Rody Molloy following his resignation from the position last night.

Mr Molloy stepped down following revelations that the agency has spent hundreds of thousands of euros of taxpayers' money on business trips to the US.

The spending included first-class travel, expensive rounds of golf and even a visit to a nail bar in Florida.

Mr Cowen defended Mr Molloy on Monday and also reiterated in the Dáil today he was "an honourable public servant" who made a significant contribution to the development of FÁS services.

He also said Mr Molloy did the honourable thing by resigning and was not pushed by the Government.