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2009

SIPTU members uncovered irregularities in FÁS

Date Released: 15 Oct 2009

The management of FÁS has agreed with SIPTU that any companies contracted to carry out training work for the agency are fully compliant with its procedures.

FÁS has also agreed to put measures in place to ensure that SIPTU members who uncover and report irregularities or non compliance within the agency, or in contracted companies, will be fully protected.

In discussions with SIPTU representatives, FÁS has agreed that any companies found to consistently breach FÁS procedures will be dealt with appropriately, which could result in their disqualification from tendering for, or renewing, State training contracts.

The assurances from FÁS follow recent revelations that some external contracted training companies failed to comply with the agency’s procedures.

“Further to yesterday’s disclosures in the Dáil of non compliance with FÁS procedures by certain external contracted training companies, I can confirm that SIPTU raised these matters with management some months ago, on foot of a number of our members having uncovered these irregularities,” SIPTU Branch Organiser, Brendan O’Brien said.

“Measures will be put in place immediately to ensure that all contracted companies carrying out training on behalf of FÁS are fully compliant with all FAS procedures. FÁS will also put measures in place which guarantee protection for our members who uncover and report non compliance either within FÁS or in contracted companies working on behalf of FÁS.”

“Companies found to have consistently breached FÁS procedures could be disqualified from tendering for, or renewing, State training contracts,” Brendan O’Brien said.

FÁS also agreed that all managerial and personnel activities, including those involving staff relations, the work of the executive board and those in other senior positions will be audited in the organisation’s annual Quality Assurance review.

A meeting between SIPTU and the Director General of FÁS, Paul O’Toole, is to take place shortly in order to ensure the swift implementation of the agreed measures.





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