Community employment was introduced in 1994 as a labour market programme and this has remained its primary focus. However, it is now accepted that community employment has become a multi-functional programme which continues to satisfy its labour market requirements but also provides essential local services and, in some instances, is the only employment opportunity for some categories of long-term unemployed and people with disabilities. There is widespread acknowledgement of the valuable role played by community employment and the job initiative participants in delivering local community services.