The rationale behind the cutbacks was that there was less need for the scheme with the economy on the upturn. However, there might always be a need to provide these types of schemes. FÁS is seeking to implement significant cuts in the level of participation in these schemes, which provide an essential service in many marginalised and socially deprived areas. Important services, such as child care, meals on wheels and school maintenance, will be affected by cuts. The Minister of State, Deputy Fahey, told The Irish Times in the first week of October that he was cognisant of the pain the cuts in community employment and jobs initiative schemes were causing and that he had brought proposals to Cabinet on revamping the community employment scheme.