Tánaiste Appoints New Board At FÁS

"The significant governance changes implemented by this legislation, together with the appointment of a new board, sends a clear signal to the public of the root and branch cultural change in accountability and transparency underway at the organisation.

"Today is an important day for the taxpayer and for the clients and staff of the organisation. It marks a fresh start for FÁS as the State's key delivery agency for the training and activation of our workforce."

The Tánaiste announced that the Board of FÁS is to be chaired by Mr. Michael Dempsey, a former Senior Director of Bristol Myers Squibb.

The new Board's membership is said to draw on a wide range of experience from both the private and public sector, with expertise in different fields.

"The new Board has been appointed on the basis of experience and competence. It will, in my view, be a dynamic Board ensuring that FÁS can meet the standards expected of it by the public and effectively address the current employment challenge."

The Labour Services (Amendment) Act 2009 provides for a significantly stronger governance and accountability structure at FÁS and, specifically, provides for a reduction in the size of the Board of FÁS from 17 to 11 and the introduction of a rolling system of appointments to the Board.

The legislation also provides for removal of the automatic right to nominate individuals for appointment to the Board from bodies not directly accountable to the taxpayer, makes the Director General of FÁS more accountable to the Oireachtas, requires the disclosure of conflicts of interest by directors and staff of FÁS and bans the directors and staff of FÁS from any involvement on matters where they have a conflict.

There is also provision for the removal of directors or termination of staff contracts where there is a breach in this regard and adds protection for 'whistleblower' members of staff who report serious wrongdoing in the organisation.

The Tánaiste said the new governance structure builds on the improved financial and management practices now in place across the organisation under the guidance of its new Director General, Mr. Paul O'Toole.