Vol. 475 No. 1
254 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he intends to designate special areas of high unemployment for local employment services; and if he will consider the submission from the Ballyfermot Action Services for employment (details supplied) in this regard. [4444/97]
The Government decided on Tuesday, 11 February 1997 to extend the local employment service networks to four new areas, namely Drogheda, Blanchardstown, Clondalkin and Ballyfermot. This brings to 18 the number of local employment services which will operate around the country.
My Department will organise meetings individually with the four new area partnerships concerned in order to organise the preparation of a local employment service plan and the commencement of the service in those areas. It will be up to the partnerships to arrange for the relevant local players to contribute to the LES.
On approval of the LES plan in each area, a budget will be allocated to the partnership for delivery of the LES.
I have noted the submission of 29 January 1997 made to the Deputy by the Ballyfermot Action Services for Employment. Also, my Department is aware of the role of the Ballyfermot Action Seevices for Employment and has received a copy of its "Interim Report".
