John Gormley
Question:24 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, which exist within her Department to place the Council of the Islands on a formal legislative footing. [20626/97]
Written Answers. - Council of the Islands.
I am at present in the process of reviewing the structures of the various organisations and associations representing our offshore islands in the context of the policy document which I published prior to the last general election. The position of Comhdháil na nOileán will be included in this review. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that the issues to be considered are complex and the decisions to be made will have a major impact on island communities and the administration of island affairs. The question of whether legislation will be needed or not will be examined as part of the overall review.