asked the Minister for Finance if his Department is still responsible for formulating proposals for improvements to inhabited islands; the principal measures which have been identified as being urgently required; the action proposed for implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Development of Inhabited Islands.
115.
Government policy for the development of inhabited islands is reflected in the policies of the various Departments and State agencies concerned with development nationally. In addition, my Department has through the Central Development Committee a particular responsibility for promoting the development of inhabited non-Gaeltacht islands off the west coast.
As the Deputy is probably aware, the Government, on foot of a report from the Central Development Committee, decided in 1979 on a number of measures aimed at improving the living conditions of these islands. The measures included the provision of electricity on certain islands, improvements in assistance for housing, improvements to water supply, sanitary services and communications, general economic development and community development.
Implementation of the various measures is a matter for the appropriate Departments and agencies and is being proceeded with. A number of the proposals have been implemented in full; for example, new house loans and grants have been increased, house improvement grants have been retained for the islands and increased; Bord Fáilte have increased the grants available on the islands under the supplementary holiday accommodation scheme and proposals have been issued to local authorities regarding water and sewerage works on the islands. Substantial progress has also been made by the ESB in providing electricity on certain islands. In addition, the county development teams, in conjunction with the Industrial Development Authority and the Department of Agriculture, are investigating means of increasing the level of economic activity on the islands.
Progress on the implementation of the Government decision has been monitored by a permanent sub-committee of the Central Development Committee established for that purpose. The Committee now meet when issues requiring inter-agency examination arise.