Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 8

Written Answers. - Committee on the Islands.

Enda Kenny

Question:

95 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the Government's proposal and programme for island development; the reason it has been necessary to have an interdepartmental committee appointed to examine island issues in view of the fact that the Government already has firm proposals in hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5323/98]

Enda Kenny

Question:

99 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the names and personnel represented on the recently appointed interdepartmental committee announced by the Minister of State in her Department; the remit and terms of reference of the committee; the timescale within which it is to report; the reason this committee was set up in the first instance in view of the fact that the necessary information is already to hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5327/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Éamon Ó Cuív)

Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 95 agus Uimh. 99 le chéile.

I assume the Deputy is referring in his question to the Interdepartmental Committee on the Islands, the Gaeltacht and the Irish Language. All Government Departments have been requested to nominate representative(s) on this committee but I have not yet received all nominations. It is intended that this committee will co-ordinate the implementation of the Government's policy with regard to the offshore islands, the Irish language and the Gaeltacht. The committee was established to assist my Department in seeking to ensure that Government policy in relation to the islands, the Irish language and the Gaeltacht is implemented in a co-ordinated and effective manner. The terms of reference of the committee have not yet been finalised.

Government policy on island development is outlined on page 22 of An Action Programme for the Millennium and is based on the position paper on the islands prepared by me before the last general election.