[en] A comparison of the compact and the noncompact lattice action for 2+1 dimensional QED is made. In particular, the chiral order parameter < antiχ χ > and the monopole density ρ_m are computed as functions of β for N_f = 0.2 fermion flavours. The results reveal a strong correlation between < antiχ χ> and ρ_m. Moreover, this correlation is identical for the compact and noncompact theories. This is interpreted as evidence that monopole condensation drives chiral symmetry breaking in lattice QED₃. (Author) (6 refs., 5 figs.)