asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development if the subcommittee set up in relation to the development of offshore islands has made any definite proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offshore Islands.
5.
The Central Development Committee, which have general responsibility for the co-ordination of the activities of State agencies in regard to islands and which reports to me, have put forward proposals relating to non-Gaeltacht islands off the west coast. I presume it is to these proposals that the Deputy refers. Implementation of them would impinge on the functions of other Government Departments and State-sponsored bodies and the process of consultation has not yet been completed. I would, therefore, regard it as premature to make a statement on the matter at present.
As many of the inhabitants of these non-Gaeltacht islands are ineligible to receive benefits for which their Gaeltacht counterparts are eligible, would the Minister agree that discrimination exists in this area? How does the Minister for Economic Planning and Development propose to rectify that and when?
As I have already informed the Deputy the Central Development Committee report has been made available to the Minister and the matter is under consideration by various Government Departments. It would be premature for me at this stage to make any comments as to what steps might be taken in regard to the matters referred to by the Deputy.