Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 2 Dec 1993

Vol. 436 No. 6

Written Answers. - Island Development.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

38 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine if he will give a report on his activities to date in support of the island communities since his appointment as Minister with responsibility for co-ordinating such activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

This question gives me an opportunity to pay tribute to the Minister of State at the Department of the Marine, Deputy Gerry O'Sullivan, who has headed the Department's role in relation to islands. He is a loyal, hard-working and, above all, decent member of our partnership Government. He is not with us today; he is in hospital, en route, to recovery. I wish him well and I have no doubt that the House will join me in my expression of support to Deputy O'Sullivan and his family in this difficult time for them.

Returning to the question we have established, under the chairmanship of the Department of the Marine an interdepartmental committee with the task of reviewing and prioritising development strategies for islands and recommending on actions to ensure a co-ordinated approach to all aspects of island development. The committee has a comprehensive membership covering all relevant Government Departments.

The committee is going about its work in a systematic way and is compiling a comprehensive picture of issues to be addressed. To date, the committee has (1) reviewed position papers from each Department represented; (2) sought submissions from relevant organisations including local authorities, health boards, island co-operatives and others; (3) met with a delegation from Comhdáil na nOileáin, a voluntary organisation established to support island development; (4) through its chairman has had discussions with relevant county managers about matters falling within their remit.

I look forward to receipt at the committee's report which will be in the New Year.