Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghlacadh leis an Aire Stáit as ucht teacht isteach agus éisteacht leis an gcás atá le déanamh agam. Tá an-iontas orm nach bhfuil an tAire Stáit don iarthar anseo chun éisteacht leis an gcás seo. Inishbofin, Inishturk and Clare Island are three islands off the west coast, one off the coast of County Galway and two off the coast of County Mayo. Every winter access to and from the islands becomes a problem. Based on the 1991 census, there is a population of 181 people on Inishbofin, 137 on Clare Island and 78 on Inishturk. There is a primary school on each island and thankfully the population on the islands is relatively stable. It has become clear in recent years that one of the main factors in determining whether people are likely to live on offshore islands is the availability of reliable access to the islands in the winter and summer. Access to these islands during the summer is not usually a problem, but in the winter regular access to them can be difficult, particularly for people returning from school and work at the weekend and returning home for Christmas holidays. School going children are particularly affected especially as it is difficult to secure seven day boarding accommodation. For those living permanently on the islands the lack of a regular transport service in the winter and the rough seas can be a major problem, particularly for old people who used to go to the mainland to shop, to visit hospitals, doctors and so on.
In recent years a subsidised helicopter service has been provided to Tory Island off Donegal by Údaras na Gaeltachta. A similar service is required for other islands. The old difference between Gaeltacht and non-Gaeltacht island should be abolished and there should be equality of services for all.
I accept that in the long term the most cost effective answer to the question of access to the islands would be to build airstrips on them. I understand Aer Aran is interested in providing such a service, but that it is not likely to be provided in the near future. In the meantime it is vital that the Government decides to provide an annual helicopter service to those islands from October to March.
As subsidised transport services are provided throughout the country to towns and villages and as most Gaeltacht islands also have access to subsidised transport services, it is amazing that those who do not benefit from such subsidised services are non-Gaeltacht island communities.
The Minister should take steps to correct this matter and ensure that some of the smallest and most vulnerable communities are given the lifeline they need. I look forward to a positive response from the Minister.
Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghlacadh leis an Aire as ucht éisteacht leis an méid a bhí le rá agam agus tá súil agam go mbeidh dea-scéala aige dom.
