Tánaiste defends Fás inquiry decision

TÁNAISTE Mary Coughlan has defended her decision to ask the Comptroller Auditor General (CAG) to investigate the State training agency Fás.

She said the independence of the CAG was not in question. Arising from matters brought to her attention, and following a discussion with the chief executive and chairman of Fás, she had asked the CAG to investigate issues relating to the agency's audit committee.

Appointing a consultant would have cost up to €150,000.

Ms Coughlan said the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was finding it difficult to bring matters to a conclusion on the basis of other work.

"Given the urgency of the matter, I asked the CAG if he could expedite the examination on my behalf. Those are the full facts of the situation.''

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said the Tánaiste was quite prepared to wait and see what the banks were going to do, but she was not prepared to wait and see what the PAC was going to do. The PAC comprised members of all parties, with a very specific mandate.

Earlier, Mr Kenny asked what agenda the Tánaiste had.

"What is it that you wish the CAG to do at your bidding? Are you happy that you are legally entitled to give such an instruction, and are you not concerned that you are undermining the constitutional responsibility of the PAC?''