asked the Minister for Finance whether any special grants are available to those living on the islands off our coast to cover the extra cost of the transport of materials, particularly those for agricultural purposes.
Written Answers. - Grants for Islanders.
437.
There is no special scheme of grants to subsidise the cost of transport of materials to islands. In the case of two particular island ferry services—to Cape Clear and the Aran islands—Roinn na Gaeltachta and the Department of Transport respectively subsidise the operation of the services.
The Deputy is, no doubt, aware that the Government decided, in 1979, on a number of measures aimed at improving the living conditions of the inhabitants of non-Gaeltacht islands off the west coast. The rationale behind these special measures was, in part at least, a recognition of the problems posed for the islanders by the cost of transport to the islands. In particular the decision resulted in the provision of higher new house grants and loans and of higher house improvement grants. These measures have been implemented in full and the others, covering the provision of electricity on certain islands, improvements to water supply, sanitary services and communications, general economic development and community development, have been or are being implemented by the appropriate Departments and agencies.