Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:11 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason the commitment to establish an islands council has not been implemented; and the steps he is taking in this regard. [28501/03]
Written Answers. - Offshore Islands.
The Deputy will be aware that the agreed programme for Government includes a commitment to establish an islands council.
Following my appointment as Minister with responsibility for the islands last year, I held a meeting with Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann – The Irish Islands Federation at which this issue was discussed. It was agreed at that meeting that an chomhdháil would examine this issue in greater detail in order to fully establish what its requirements were in this regard. The matter was again brought to an chomhdháil's attention by my officials in June of this year. On receipt of an chomhdháil's response, it is my intention to pursue this issue with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Cullen.