Vol. 465 No. 5
18 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the delays, if any, which have been experienced in establishing the local employment service; and the plans, if any, being made to extend the service beyond the 14 areas already selected. [9951/96]
The start-up of the local employment service network has been proceeding at a satisfactory and realistic pace given the complexity of the task involved, the innovative nature of the approach being adopted and the detailed preparatory work needed in getting the service organised and operational.
A range of issues had to be addressed in the start-up phase — in particular: the need, in each of the chosen areas, to secure agreement between a wide range of interest groups to comprehensive proposals which require a greater degree of co-operation than heretofore among all the service providers; the fact that partnerships were undergoing boundary changes, new partnership boards were being appointed and Area Action Plans for 1995-1999 were also being prepared during the same period; and difficulties in obtaining suitable premises for delivery of the service in some areas.
There was considerable work involved for the areas and my Department in preparing and finalising detailed plans. This was followed by preparatory work for the areas on the ground, staff recruitment etc.
I am glad to say that preparations for the LES in the 14 areas are well advanced. Plans have been approved for 11 of the partnership areas. The three remaining plans should be considered by the interdepartmental advisory group during May.
My intention for 1996 is that the LES should be consolidated in the 14 key areas and an evaluation of the service will be undertaken later this year, before we consider undertaking further expansion. What we have learned to date in the current phase will be of benefit in considering expansion of the service countrywide.
