Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2004
27 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the consultations between his Department and the Department of Enterprise, trade and Employment regarding the establishment of island enterprise schemes; when these schemes are expected to be up and running; the amount of funding that will be allocated to this initiative; and if he will make a statment on the matter. [16669/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the overall respnsibility for development of enterprise on non-Gaeltacht islands rests with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, in accordance with my brief for island development generally, I have stated publicly on a number of occasions that I am favourably disposed towards the concept of establishing an enterprise fund for the non-Gaeltacht islands.
Arising from this position and on foot of contacts between my officials and officials of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I am pleased to report that substantial progress has been made in regard to establishing the broad parameters for providing assistance to certain types of enterprise on the non-Gaeltacht islands.
I hope to be in a position to announce details of the new scheme as soon as outstanding issues in regard to administrative procedures have been finalised.
An allocation of €250,000 has been provided for this scheme in my Department's 2004 Estimates.
