08/10/09

CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has told the Dáil that the controversy surrounding the top level of FÁS must not neglect the positive impact the State body has had on communities across Ireland. Speaking in Dáil Eireann on a Labour Party motion on the ongoing scandals at FÁS, Deputy Sherlock said that while reform of the upper echelons of the Authority were essential, it was equally important to recognise the good work carried out by the grass roots of FÁS who have played no role in the current controversy.

Deputy Sherlock said it was an unfortunate reality that, because of the actions of a small minority, FÁS had become synonymous with waste. He added that the majority should be recognised for their work in helping people find training and employment, reaching out to the marginalised in society, and contributing to the development of communities.

 

"I am representative of a largely rural constituency and I have seen first hand the benefits yielded by the community schemes, spearheaded by FÁS and managed by local people working within those communities.

 

 

"As with all State-funded bodies, cutbacks have affected the services offered to people in both rural and urban communities. The idea that the waste at the top level of FÁS ran parallel with the reduction of valuable services to communities has angered the public and the body politic alike. We have every right to be angry but we must differentiate between the person in the board room and the worker on the street. Our anger must be channelled appropriately. This anger laments the fact that this fine institution should have become a vessel for such waste when it has been a force for good. I believe it can be a force for good again, but we must bring about the necessary changes," concluded Deputy Sherlock.

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