Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 3

Written Answers. - Local Employment Service.

John Perry

Ceist:

86 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to the expansion of the long-term unemployment scheme to counties Sligo and Leitrim in view of the fact that it is essential to reintegrate the long-term unemployed into the labour market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4027/98]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Miss Harney)

I assume the Deputy is referring to the local employment service, LES, as currently being implemented in 18 areas throughout the country.

Partnership 2000 for inclusion, employment and competitiveness includes a provision that "the LES will be extended, through the country on a phased basis, initially to areas of concentrated unemployment, such that the LES will have commenced in all designated partnership areas during the period of this Partnership." The further roll out of the LES is being considered in the context of a broad review of labour market policy issues, including the establishment of a new national employment service. This in turn could have implications for the future development of the LES.

In the interim, discussions are ongoing between PLANET, the partnershps network, and the policy unit on unemployment in my Department regarding the expansion issue. Counties Sligo and Leitrim will be considered in the context of the analysis which is ongoing at present.