Vol. 483 No. 5
10 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the proposals, if any, she has for the improvement of living conditions for people whose permanent place of residence is on one of our offshore islands. [20609/97]
25 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands whether she has completed her examination of the access requirements of each of our populated islands; and, if so, the proposals, if any, she has arising from this examination. [20610/97]
I intend to fully implement the action plan I drew up prior to the last general election.
I have already visited most of the islands and the process of analysing the priorities outlined to me during those visits is now taking place. Access was one of the main issues brought to my attention. In consultation with the island populations, local authorities and other interested parties, I intend to draw up a five-year plan to ensure that major inhabited offshore islands have suitable access.
With overall policy for the islands now under the aegis of my Department, I intend, in co-operation with other Government Departments and organisations, to ensure equal access for islanders to health and education services. The provision of basic services such as roads, water, electricity, refuse collection and so on will also be addressed. In the first instance, all Government Departments and bodies involved, will be expected to fulfil their specific responsibilities with regard to our offshore islands.
The Interdepartmental Committee for the Islands will also be reactivated to ensure a comprehensive response to island needs across all Departments.
As the time for questions has now expired, I can allow only one question from a spokesperson for the Opposition.
In speaking on the powers and functions introduced by the Minister last week, my party leader, Deputy John Bruton, recommended the implementation of a pilot scheme, using technology in terms of making educational facilities available, certainly to primary and early second-level, school-going students. With the use of modern technology he suggested pupils would not have to leave islands to attend second-level schools on the mainland. Will the Minister consider such a pilot scheme in providing the education services he mentioned, to which islanders would have access?
As the Deputy will be aware, already on Inishmore and the Aran Islands generally modern, inter-active, technology is being used very effectively in that way, to provide extra courses in the gairmscoil there. This matter is being discussed with the Department of Education.
What I would like to do, whether by technology or transport, is to lay down the basic principle, in co-operation with parents, and students' their choices being paramount, that schooling, wherever practicable, will be provided, on the islands. Wherever it cannot be provided on the islands, due to population or other factors, as much access and facilities will be afforded students to return home as frequently as possible. The House can take it as an absolute basic principle that we shall endeavour to maintain the bond between island children, their parents and their island in so far as possible. However, in so doing, we must ensure that all children have equal opportunity to full access to full education whether on the mainland or on an island. That principle will underline everything I shall do in my Department.
(Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate).
