Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 6

Written Answers. - Local Employment Service.

Andrew Boylan

Question:

119 Mr. Boylan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Border, midlands and west are recognised at European level as the most deprived areas of the country; if a decision on the Cavan partnership application submitted in 1999 has been made; if she will support this application in view of the fact that local people are forced to seek a livelihood outside of the county; and her views on whether a local employment service for Cavan would be an important asset. [10724/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney):

I am fully aware of the particular difficulties faced by the Border, midlands and west regions and of the approach last year from the Cavan Partnership to my Department in relation to the provision of a local employment service LES for Cavan.

The Government decided last year to implement new operational arrangements for the management, development and delivery of the national employment service function, including the assimilation of the LES, under FÁS, as a discrete component of a more integrated, dual stranded national employment service – the other component being the existing FÁS employment service. Any future decisions about the development or expansion of the employment services function in any area will be taken by FÁS on the basis of an integrated assessment of the needs of that area relative to prevailing labour market conditions and current service provision.