I wish to assure this House that the Government is very much aware of the important contribution which community employment has made to the development of services for local communities over the years. Ministers are also aware of the concern in communities at the recent reductions in community employment and at the prospect of further reductions in the future in the context of current budgetary constraints. However, there is a need to ensure that communities get the best value from the reduced pool of community employment now available and that priorities reflect current rather than past needs. A very clear and tangible demonstration of the Government's awareness of the importance of support for community services and their development, is the recent establishment of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.