Vol. 482 No. 2
12 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if it is Government policy to extend the grant system for Gaeltacht island ferries to all offshore islands; if she will confirm that suitable applicants are currently entitled to avail of such assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17357/97]
Every Gaeltacht island does not enjoy a subsidised ferry service and the type of State subsidy provided varies considerably from island to island. I have recently visited most of the populated offshore islands. My Department is in the process of analysing the access requirements of all populated offshore islands with a view to making a case for the provision of subsidised ferry services where it can be demonstrated that such subsidies are necessary for the provision of ferry services which can cater adequately for the needs of island communities.
