The Government's policy seems to be to ring-fence cutbacks. However, that will exacerbate the level of disadvantage suffered by many rural communities. If we prioritise certain areas for continued support, which we welcome, other areas and rural participants will suffer. The cap announced in April 2000 for participants over 50 years of age means that when the scheme is ended, they will be put back on unemployment assistance. Will the Minister allow a person who costs only an additional €24 per week to be taken off the scheme and condemned to long-term unemployment? The scheme was introduced to take people off the unemployment register. The Minister of State must state clearly and unequivocally his plan for the community employment scheme. Is it his responsibility or is he only relaying the bad news tonight?