Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2009
79 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the timescale for the full expansion of the catchment areas of local employment service offices to match the expansion of the local partnership areas; the LES services which have expanded in line with partnership areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9385/09]
View answerThe Local Employment Service Networks form one part of the dual-stranded National Employment Service — the other strand being the FÁS Employment Service. The LES Networks operate under the aegis of the various Area Partnerships that, in turn, are contracted by FÁS to deliver the service.
FÁS is currently in discussion with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and with PLANET (the network of Areas Partnership Companies) concerning the implication of the cohesion process for the operation of the Local Employment Services Network. These discussions which should be concluded by end of April next, will help clarify any expansion to the catchment areas of individual Local Employment Services and the timescale for same.
