FÁS to strengthen audit processes

State training agency FÁS is to strengthen is internal auditing practices after revelations about its expenses spending this week, it was announced today.

FÁS promised to accelerate financial checks at its corporate affairs section after the Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC) criticised use of a government jet for a US business trip.

The FÁS board met on Friday night to discuss the recent revelations.

A FÁS spokeswoman said: “The board intends to strengthen the internal audit function within FÁS, and will consider the use of external support and assistance in the coming period as required.

“This will help accelerate the audit work already underway in the corporate affairs area, and will also help the organisation interface with the comptroller and auditor general (John Buckley) as soon as he begins his examination of the effectiveness of the management and control systems in FÁS.”

Enterprise Minister Mary Coughlan has said she had been assured by board members of the training and employment agency that action had been taken to deal with controversies surrounding its financial affairs.

The Tánaiste reiterated her disquiet at the recent revelations concerning activities in the public affairs division of FAS, including those relating to foreign travel.

The FÁS spokeswoman today added: “This examination will begin as soon as the PAC has completed its current hearings.

“The board assured the Tánaiste that although many of these events had occurred prior to the current board taking office in February 2006, they are determined to place all matters of concern about past practice in the public domain.

“The board agreed a full examination of past practices is required to ensure the organisation can move forward with best practice corporate governance procedures in place.”

FÁS chief Rody Molloy was forced to resign this week after revelations the state body spent €643,000 over four years on transatlantic travel.

The agency, which has a €1bn budget, was already at the centre of an inquiry by the PAC over spending irregularities.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen rowed in behind the embattled boss amid allegations of out-of-control spending at the training and enterprise agency.

Ministers Mary Harney and Mary Hanafin have since defended their overseas trips with the training body.