asked the Minister for Lands if he has yet reached a decision in the matter raised in Question No. 8 of 18th July, 1974.
52.
Ceisteanna——Questions. Oral Answers. - Transfer of Islanders.
51.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will provide increased incentives to enable residents of Inishturbot and Inishturk to transfer to the mainland.
53.
asked the Minister for Lands if there are any proposals before his Department to assist residents of Inishturbot Island, Clifden, County Galway, to transfer to the mainland; and if he will make a statement in the matter.
54.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will provide assistance for the purchase of sites on the mainland by inhabitants of Inishturbot Island, Clifden, County Galway; and if the Land Commission will construct houses on such sites to enable all families on the island to transfer to the mainland.
(Cavan): With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 52, 53 and 54 together. As the Deputy is aware, I announced in May, 1973, that substantial grants and assistance, including assistance to purchase sites, would be made available to enable the inhabitants of Turk and Turbot islands to transfer to the mainland. Since then considerable progress has been made with the Turk islanders. Three families are now occupying their new houses on the mainland, a fourth house is at an advanced stage and in a fifth case a site has been purchased.
The Turbot islanders have not, as yet, indicated that they have taken any steps to purchase sites. The entire position and the case of the former islander who has returned with his family to live in his father's house on Turbot island is being re-examined and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement without undue delay.