Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
30. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 4 of 26 September 2023, the status of the monitoring committee for the implementation of the new policy for the islands; the terms of reference of the committee; the membership of the committee; the number of meetings held to date and the dates of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49665/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, Our Living Islands: the National Island Policy 2023-2033 was launched in June of this year. Our Living Islands is a substantial document – a ten year policy which will be backed up by rolling three year action plans. It has time-bound commitments so that Departments and agencies across Government can be held to account.
A coordinated and cohesive approach across a range of Government Departments will be required for the implementation of the policy, which is underpinned by the principle of the full engagement by island communities in the process.
In that regard, I have recently approved the establishment of the Monitoring Committee, chaired by my Department, to engage with key Government Departments, agencies and local authorities in relation to progress on implementation and report back to me.
The proposed membership and terms of reference of the committee reflect the Government commitment to ensuring that island communities are key participants in the process. Government Departments and State bodies with key roles in the delivery of the policy and action plan will also be represented.
My Department is currently engaging with the representative body for island communities and other relevant stakeholders, including other Government Departments, requesting nominees to be appointed to the Committee.
Arrangements are also being made for the first meeting, expected to be held in the coming weeks, after which I will be in a position to confirm the membership and terms of reference of the committee.
