asked the Minister for the Marine the Government policy in relation to the off-shore inhabited islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Offshore Inhabited Islands.
14.
A ministerial committee has been established to carry out an in-depth investigation of Ireland's offshore islands. The committee is chaired by the Minister for the Environment.
One of the first initiatives taken by the committee was to recommend that the inhabited islands off the coasts of Mayo, Donegal, Galway and Cork have a liaison officer on the mainland in the relevant county council. Liaison officers were appointed and reports were sought setting out problems relating specifically to islands of their respective county coastlines. The reports have now been received and are under examination by the committee following which it is intended that the committee will meet with representatives of the island communities.
Government policy in relation to off-shore inhabited islands will be reviewed when the ministerial committee has completed its task.