I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. As she will be aware, the Government is committed to publishing an islands policy in line with the programme for Government commitment and commitments made in Our Rural Future.
Housing was one of the most pressing issues of concern that was raised by island communities during the public consultation process carried out by my Department. While housing supply and affordability are key issues across the country, many of the factors affecting housing supply are amplified on the islands. These issues are also highlighted in a recent report carried out by a team from UCC, entitled Housing and Sustaining Communities on the West Cork Islands.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is represented on the interdepartmental committee that has been overseeing the development of the islands policy. In addition, officials from my Department have engaged bilaterally with the Department and the relevant local authorities to agree commitments for the policy and its accompanying action plan. A further meeting is scheduled for later this week. Additionally, my Department arranged a meeting with the authors of the UCC report, Housing and Sustaining Communities on the West Cork Islands, which was also attended by officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I believe this meeting was enlightening and beneficial for all parties and the report's findings are being taken into consideration in the finalisation of the policy.
I am pleased that the islands policy is well advanced and, in that context, I have a meeting scheduled with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, next week to discuss the commitments from his Department. I intend to present the policy to Government for approval in the coming weeks.