The island allowance applies to certain social welfare claimants whose permanent place of residence is on an offshore island which is not connected to the mainland by bridge. A list of qualifying islands follows this reply.
The budget in 2001 provided for the introduction of an islanders' allowance of €12.70 for social welfare recipients aged 66 and over. The budget in 2003 extended the allowance to islanders in receipt of a long-term disability payment. The Social Welfare Bill 2005 provides for a further extension of this allowance to residents on qualifying islands who are in receipt of an equivalent payment from another EU country. Qualifying islands: Arranmore Island, Donegal; Bere Island, Cork; Clare Island, Mayo; Clear Island, Cork; Clyinsh Island, Mayo; Dursey Island, Cork; Foynes Island, Limerick; Gola Island, Donegal; Illaunmore, Galway; Inchaghaun Island, Galway; Inishbarra Island, Galway; Inishbiggle, Mayo; Inishboffin, Donegal; Inishboffin, Galway; Inishcottle, Mayo; Inisheer, Galway; Inishfree, Donegal; Inishgort, Mayo; Inishlyre, Mayo; Inishmaan, Galway; Inishmore, Galway; Inishmulcichy, Sligo; Inishnakillew, Mayo; Inishodriscol, Cork; Iniskturk, Mayo; Lambay Island; Long Island, Cork; Omey Island, Galway; Sherkin Island, Cork; Tory Island, Donegal; Whiddy Island, Cork; and Island Roy, Donegal.