Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:80 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he is concerned at the proliferation of local employment bodies. [17821/95]
Written Answers. - Local Employment Bodies.
Recent years have seen the development of a range of locally-based bodies and initiatives concerned with economic and community development, and with the promotion of community and enterprise-based employment. These include, within the aegis of my Department, the county enterprise boards, and the new Local Employment Service which is currently being phased in, beginning with the 12 established partnership areas and two other areas.
The development of locally-based groups reflects the determination of communities to address the problems of achieving economic and community development and the growth of employment at local level, and the commitment of successive Governments to support their endeavours. The Government sees a major role for such local effort in achieving economic and community regeneration, and will make every effort to ensure that the contribution of bodies active at local level, along with the State development agencies, constitutes a powerful integrated response to the problems besetting our economy and society at the present time.
The evaluation of the role of local development initiatives must be directed, in my view, to the effectiveness of the use made of public funds in support of employment creation. The performance of these bodies in terms of their outcome and effects will be closely monitored to ensure that they realise the objectives set for them.