Vol. 507 No. 2
35 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has received a detailed application and submission for a local employment service for County Westmeath from Westmeath Employment Network/Territorial Employment Pact; if this will be approved without delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16405/99]
I have not received any detailed submission from the area in question. I should also point out that the Government has approved a restructuring of the employment service function under which the local employment service will be coming under the ambit of FÁS. The purpose of this reorganisation is to secure better co-ordination and complementary between the FÁS employment service and the LES; and to ensure, in the context of the further development of the employment service function, the most efficient disposition of resources. I envisage that decisions relating to the expansion of our employment services will be taken in the framework of these new organisational arrangements.
