Vol. 525 No. 2
755 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will make available a subsidy to oilers to compensate for the increased cost of kerosene home heating oil to islanders on the offshore islands of Galway compared to the cost on the mainland (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23830/00]
I am looking generally at the issue of the cost of goods and services on the offshore islands. It is widely recognised that the costs of goods and services on our offshore islands largely reflect higher transportation costs. In recognition of this, I have already improved or initiated new subsidised ferry services to 11 offshore islands. Furthermore my Department and the Department of the Environment and Local Government have radically increased the new house grant payable on offshore Islands and very recently I announced a major increase from £3,450 to £12,000 in the house improvement grant on Gaeltacht islands. In relation to the specific question of the cost of home heating oil, I am actively considering, in consultation with other relevant Departments, various ways to ameliorate the effect of this on the islanders.
