James Bannon (Fine Gael)

It is coincidental but I have been involved in the historical society that was instrumental in moving a motion at a council meeting in 1995 which ensured the courthouse would be preserved for court facilities. We did this because we did not see funding coming from any other quarter for the retention of a fine historic building constructed in 1798 in the centre of Longford town. I appreciate the great work the Minister has done to ensure that has come to fruition.

I am a little disappointed with the response to this matter. The people involved in the scheme achieved great dignity through a sense of belonging to the community and through their involvement and participation over a number of years in training at St. Mel's. It was a worthwhile project. There are isolated projects throughout the country which should be looked at separately and maybe some funding should be sought to ensure their continuance. There are 30 such projects in the country and they are important to rural communities, for inclusivity and to provide for the involvement of people, irrespective of creed or status in society. A vulnerable section of the community which always felt marginalised was being supported by this project. Perhaps projects of this type should be looked at differently from the overall community employment schemes. It is something the Minister might take on board at a Cabinet meeting.