Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2012
103 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the local employment service network throughout the country; if she has provided funding for 2012 for the continuation of this initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7152/12]
View answerResponsibility for the Local Employment Services (LES) transferred from the Department of Education and Skills to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January 2012. My Department recognises the valuable role the Local Employment Services play in the activation of unemployed people, particularly those most disadvantaged and distant from the labour market.
My officials have met recently with representatives of the Irish Local Development Network (which includes the Local Employment Services) and have assured them of continued funding for 2012. An interim contract and budget for January-March 2012 has been put in place while overall budgets are being finalised. It is hoped to advise the Local Employment Services shortly of their final 2012 budget allocation.
