I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 58 together.
The society referred to by the Deputy has received funding under the community development programme since 1997. Funding to the society has been withdrawn due to the unacceptable level of conflict which has been associated with the project and the inability of the society to address these conflict issues successfully over a sustained period. In the circumstances, I am of the view that the Sherkin community would not be served by the continuation of the project as presently constituted.
My Department is considering the appropriate structures to provide support for development projects on Sherkin Island in the context of a wider review of the support structures on both Gaeltacht and non-Gaeltacht islands. It is hoped to make progress in this context by spring 2005. In the interim, my Department is examining means to provide some funding to ensure continuation of essential administrative support to initiatives on Sherkin Island which were previously supported by the society in question.