Vol. 487 No. 6
97 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current position in relation to the expansion of the local employment service to counties Roscommon and Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4966/98]
The local employment service, LES, is currently being implemented in 18 areas throughout the country.
The further roll out of the LES is being considered in the context of a broad review of labour market policy issues, including the need for a strengthening of the employment service role generally and for improved institutional coherence between the various agencies involved in this area. I expect this review to be completed in the near future, following which I will be in a position to take the necessary decisions. The approved estimates for the LES in 1998 make provision for the expansion of the service this year.
In the interim, discussions are ongoing between PLANET, the Partnerships network, and the policy unit on unemployment in my Department regarding the prioritisation of areas for an expansion of the service. Counties Roscommon and Longford are being considered in the context of the analysis which is ongoing at present.
