asked the Taoiseach if he will consider the setting up of an island authority.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Island Authority.
1.
Having regard to the comprehensive arrangements already in existence for the conduct of matters relating to islands, it is not considered that there is any necessity to establish an island authority.
Is the Taoiseach aware that there are a number of islands where no Irish is spoken and they are not being treated in a similar manner to the Gaeltacht islands? Even though they have to endure the same hardships they are losing out considerably on grants for various developments in these islands. In view of that would he not think it is necessary to give them some particular consideration?
The Deputy may not be aware that an inter-departmental committee considered this question. It commenced work in 1961 and made a number of recommendations. I think it is correct to say that almost all of them were implemented. Some of them were by-passed by subsequent events including the movement of people from some of the islands to the mainland. In 1962 the functions of this islands committee were transferred to a central development committee. Since then in consultation with the appropriate Department these recommendations have been implemented.
Is the Taoiseach aware that from time to time questions have been put down in this House in relation to ESB power and matters of that kind for these islands, and the reply was that the Minister for Transport and Power had no functions in matters of this kind? It is necessary to do something quickly before all the people have left these islands.
Specific questions might fall naturally to be dealt with by a particular Minister. The general approach was that discussions were undertaken. I think questionnaires were actually issued to ascertain what families wished to leave islands—as I say a number of them have left—and in other cases what arrangements could be made to improve conditions on the islands.
Does the Taoiseach consider that a report undertaken and published 13 years ago is a satisfactory report on which to base a decision on conditions appertaining today on the islands referred to in Deputy Gallagher's question and particularly the islands which are not covered by the special grants from Roinn na Gaeltachta? Would the Taoiseach consider setting up an authority to provide similar facilities for these islands, or would he authorise the Minister for Transport and Power, for instance, to give special assistance for the provision of electricity on the islands——
We cannot debate this matter today.
Although the report was commissioned a long time ago action on it followed at intervals since. The Deputy is probably aware that quite recently some of the population were removed from an island in his own constituency. This is a continuing process. With regard to the other matters raised by Deputy Gallagher and Deputy Molloy I will discuss the actual question with the Minister for Transport and Power to see if there is any further action which can be taken.