Former FÁS chief admits spending was inappropriate

Former FÁS director general Rody Molloy has admitted that his use of foreign travel while in the position was inappropriate.

Mr Molloy resigned from the job last week following revelations that he and his fellow executives had spent thousands of euros of taxpayers' money on luxury trips to the US.

He initially went on radio to defend the expenditure, insisting he was entitled to fly first class and dismissing the expenditure of hundreds of euros at a nail bar.

However, speaking to the Oireachtas public accounts committee today, he admitted that - while he did not breach public sector guidelines - his spending was inappropriate for an organisation charged with helping people who are underprivileged.

Meanwhile, FÁS chairman Peter McLoone told the committee that some of the organisation's resources have been poorly managed.

He apologised for the anger and hurt that the situation had caused among those who use, deliver and pay for FÁS services.