Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 3 Dec 1998

Vol. 497 No. 7

Written Answers - Policy Advisory Committee.

David Stanton

Ceist:

89 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of occasions the policy advisory committee has met since its establishment; its work programme and progress to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26223/98]

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

The local employment service, LES, Policy Advisory Committee held its first meeting on 13 June 1996 and since then has held a further eight meetings — the latest being on 4 November 1998.

The Policy Advisory Committee was established to advise the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on matters relating to the development of the LES, not including management type functions in respect of operational aspects of the LES which are the responsibility of the inter-departmental advisory group. There has not been a prescribed work programme for the policy advisory committee but it has debated issues which concern the progress of the LES and its position in the employment services generally.

The committee has provided a very useful input to my Departments ongoing management at national level of the development of the LES, particularly with the partnership companies and social partners contributions.