Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:217 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on developments under the rural resettlement scheme on our offshore islands; and the proposals, if any, he has to encourage this. [6457/98]
Written Answers. - Rural Resettlement Scheme.
It is open to households moving under the schemes operated by Rural Resettlement Ireland to move to offshore islands. Indeed, I believe it is important to assist those who wish to live on our offshore islands and, for this reason, I recently increased the maximum assistance available in respect of housing on islands under a range of housing measures, including the voluntary housing capital assistance and rental subsidy schemes. Generally speaking, additional assistance of between £5,000 and £11,000 is available under these schemes in respect of houses on islands.
My Department has grant aided the housing related activities of Rural Resettlement Ireland since 1992 to a total of £347,000, including £67,000 in 1998.