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Trouble in FAS
Opinion: We need FAS now more than ever, so it's important that the organisation's affairs are conducted with the utmost care.
We’re all tired of being reminded that we’re in the midst of a recession. So it makes it even more sickening when you hear of money being mismanaged by government agencies.
In 2008, it was revealed that FÁS had been spending their budget on more than just providing training and jobs for the unemployed.
To list some of their crazy expenditure:
- €15,000 on two business class flights to Orlando to visit the NASA space station.
- €13,000 to hire a limo for a visiting American astronaut.
- $942.53 on one round of golf in a Florida resort.
- $410 in an American nail salon. (It’s obviously important to have a good manicure!)
- €1.7 million on a web campaign that had to be shelved.
I’m no accountant or financial expert - but how do you manage to explain a $410 manicure away as an expense!!? I know it’s important to give our guests a Céad Mile Fáilte - but is chauffeuring them around in a €13,000 limo not a bit extravagant?
My brother is currently doing an apprenticeship with FÁS so I know how important their work is, and I have nothing but praise for the service they provide. My brother is just about to finish his second phase of his training- the third phase involves going out into the work place and getting some practical experience. However, as there is such a downturn in the economy there are no employers willing to take on apprentices for their third phase, so my brother and others like him are unable to complete their training.
Due to the economic crisis, FÁS are going to have to change the way they work because otherwise people will be unable to finish their training. So it makes me angry to hear of FÁS being reckless with their money, especially when the people who need their help the most are being neglected.
This country needs FÁS now more than ever, so it’s important that the organisation’s affairs are conducted with the utmost care.
Ultimately I don’t think that FÁS are the only body who have been careless with their money over the past few years. It is really only a matter of time before there is another scandal.
By: Marie Duffy
