Coughlan resists calls for sacking

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise has insisted that she is focused on continuing in her job despite growing calls for her to be removed from the position.

Mary Coughlan's ability has been repeatedly questioned in light of her decision to approve a controversial €1m golden handshake for former FÁS director general Rody Molloy.

Mr Molloy resigned last November amid a public outcry over the lavish expenses and overseas travel enjoyed by FÁS officials while he was in charge of the state training agency.

Serious concerns have also emerged in the meantime about lax financial controls at the agency.

Ms Coughlan, however, has insisted that the controversy is not distracting her from doing her job.

Speaking in Dublin today, she said the Government was determined to restructure FÁS in order to deal with the financial issues raised over the past year.