As the Deputy will be aware, the Government is committed to publishing a 10 year policy on island development with associated three year action plans. Indeed the Programme for Government includes a commitment in this regard and, as Minister with responsibility for the islands, I am determined to ensure the policy is delivered.
The Government’s ambition for a national policy and action plan for the islands was set out in chapter 10 of Our Rural Future, the Action Plan for Rural Development 2021-2025, published in 2021.
The Deputy will be aware that an extensive consultation process has been completed by my Department, including meetings with island communities and relevant Government Departments and agencies. The feedback from this consultation process provided a valuable insight into the key priorities, and indeed challenges and opportunities, for our island communities.
An interdepartmental committee for the Islands was also established and its most recent meeting was held on 10 October 2022, where the initial draft was shared with committee members. The committee members were asked to review their Department’s draft input, and revert with revised actions, as well as to share their feedback, observations and overall recommendations regarding the initial draft of the policy.
I expect the policy and action plan to be finalised before the end of the year.
