New FAS chief regrets spending controversy

The new director general of FAS has said he regrets the recent controversy over spending at the agency and the impact it is having on public confidence.

Paul O'Toole was speaking before the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, which is examining the recent report on FAS spending from the Comptroller and Auditor General.

The report highlighted wasteful spending by FAS, including a €600,000 bill for a TV ad that was never broadcast.

Mr O'Toole said today that C&AG's recommendations were being implemented and FAS had introduced controls on its spending.