FÁS reform legislation to be published today

New legislation to reform procedures at the state training agency FÁS is expected to be published by the Government today.

The Labour Services Amendment Bill will allow for a reduction in the size of the FÁS board from 17 members to 11.

Reports this morning say the new board will be appointed entirely by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, in consultation with the Minister for Education and the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.

The social partnership organisations and FÁS employees will no longer be involved in the process, while directors who fail to perform their functions satisfactorily will face dismissal by the minister.

This morning's reports say the legislation will provide protection for whistleblowers who report suspected wrongdoing within FÁS to the Gardaí or to a member of the board.

In an effort to introduce greater transparency, the bill will also make the director general of the agency accountable to the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee.