Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

The Book of Estimates will deal with the position for next year. Participation levels on community employment scheme programmes this year will average 28,000 people and the estimated closing level at the end of the year will be approximately 25,000 compared with 30,809 participants at the beginning of the year.

Public speculation about the level of reductions in the community employment scheme which are likely next year due to budgetary constraints are also seriously exaggerated. I am sure that will disappoint some people.