Jim O'Keeffe
Question:58 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for the development of enterprise on non-Gaeltacht islands. [28502/03]
Written Answers. - Enterprise Development.
As the Deputy will be aware, overall responsibility for development of enterprise on non-Gaeltacht islands rests with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, in accordance with my brief for island development generally, I have stated publicly on a number of occasions that I am favourably disposed towards the concept of establishing an enterprise fund for the non-Gaeltacht islands.
Arising from this position and a meeting I had with officials of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment at the beginning of this year, I asked my officials to enter into discussions with that Department with a view to progressing the issue further. I am pleased to report that progress has been made in this regard recently and, on that basis, I intend to provide an allocation for enterprise projects on the non-Gaeltacht islands in my Department's Estimates for 2004. I hope to be in a position to announce details of the new fund in the new year.
Questions Nos. 59 and 60 answered with Question No. 20.