Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
145 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress to date of the interdepartmental committee for the islands, the Gaeltacht and the Irish language. [11902/04]
View answerThe interdepartmental committee for the islands, the Gaeltacht and the Irish language was established in 1997 in recognition of the need to co-ordinate the provision of my Department's service delivery with those of other Departments and bodies. In its initial stages, the committee frequently met in full session. However, in later years it was felt that it was more efficient to organise bilateral meetings with the various Ministers and most of the achievements of the committee were brought about subsequently on a bilateral basis. These include: a special rate of car tax for cars kept permanently on the islands; an increase in the remote area boarding grant for island children attending school on the mainland; the introduction of an islander allowance payable in respect of certain categories of social welfare benefits; input from my Department with regard to legislation affecting the Gaeltacht and the Irish language, Planning and Development Act, Education Act; the co-ordination of marine works in the Gaeltacht; agreement with regard to the unique role of my Department in the development of sports and recreational facilities in the Gaeltacht; and provision of health services on islands.
It is my intention to continue to pursue specific issues of importance to Gaeltacht and island communities, as well as matters concerning the Irish language, through this forum, in particular on a bilateral basis with the Ministers and Departments concerned.
