Staff at Fás said today they were concerned that the good name and reputation of the State training agency was being “damaged by the actions of a tiny minority of senior management”.
Brendan O’Brien, branch organiser with trade union Siptu, spoke on behalf of union members following the resignation of Fás director general Rody Molloy over controversial expenses payments to some executives.
“We are concerned that the hard work and dedicated service that is being provided by the rank and file staff is being largely ignored by the ongoing, adverse, coverage,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Our members are providing essential services to the public in order to deliver essential skills to those entering the workforce in virtually every sector of the economy.”
Mr O’Brien said staff at Fás also provided “vital support to the wider community through Community Employment projects and other support schemes throughout the country”. “Many of these help the most disadvantaged sectors of society.”
The union was in “active consultation” with Fas to deal with the additional demands created by the deteriorating economic situation.
“Fas staff remain dedicated and committed to fulfilling their role and many have given decades of public service to the organisation.
“They deplore, as does Siptu, the circumstances that have arisen. These only serve to divert attention from the real work of the organisation.”