Vol. 499 No. 4
51 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the policy of her Department regarding the preservation and restoration of living communities on the islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2828/99]
I am continuing the process of implementing an action plan to address the needs of our islands as promised in An Action Programme for the Millennium. In 1998 I announced assistance of almost £3.9 million towards various capital works on islands. This programme of works is being carried out in partnership with local authorities.
Access to the mainland was one of the main issues raised with me on the various occasions I met with island communities and their representatives. Since I was given responsibility for the offshore islands I have provided significant funding for access, including over £1.7 million for the inhabited islands off the coast of County Cork and, for the first time, ferry services to and from Inishbofin, Inishturk and Clare Island have been subsidised. In addition, the announcement in the recent budget that new house grants on islands have been doubled is a major boost to islanders wishing to build new homes for themselves.
Through the interdepartmental committee on the islands, the Gaeltacht and the Irish language, the implementation of Government policy on offshore islands is co-ordinated to ensure it is implemented in an effective manner. As chairman of this committee I will continue to endeavour to ensure equal access to services such as health, education, water, roads, electricity, refuse collection, etc., for our island communities. The provision of essential services and the promotion of economic and social development on the islands are vital in securing the future of our offshore islands.
Numerous positive decisions have been made following discussions at the interdepartmental committee by various Government Departments in relation to the islands particularly in relation to matters affecting the Departments of Marine and Natural Resources, Education and Science, Public Enterprise and Environment and Local Government.
I have succeeded in obtaining an increase of 30 per cent in funding for the offshore islands in 1999 and this additional funding will further assist me in continuing with the work which I have already outlined.
