Vol. 491 No. 3
120 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the procedures, if any, in place for complaints against FÁS; the conditions under which complaints may be made; the powers, if any, these procedures have; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11973/98]
An independent Client Services Commissioner has been appointed by FÁS to investigate unresolved disputes between FÁS and its clients. The Client Services Commissioner operates within the terms of a special scheme, details of which I am circulating separately, with complete independence from FÁS and, accordingly, the investigations and recommendations of the commissioner are completely impartial.
The commissioner has power to investigate and make recommendations to resolve matters in dispute subject to the conditions of the scheme. If, after investigation, it is found that the client's complaint is justified, the commissioner has power to recommend corrective action by FÁS and or compensation of up to £5,000 in a particular case. This service is available free of charge to FÁS clients.
