Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004
262 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason there is no all encompassing policy for the islands; the plans he intends to put in place to initiate an islands policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23980/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI must strongly refute that there is no overall policy in place for the development of the islands. Government policy in this regard is enunciated clearly in the Government's agreed programme and is further augmented in my Department's strategy statement, which states that promoting the sustainable development of the populated offshore islands is a key task for my Department. The relevant goal sets out a clear objective, to promote and maintain living and working populations on the islands, by helping to foster sustainable and culturally vibrant communities in those areas.
Against the context of the report of the interdepartmental committee on island development, which set the framework for future island development, my Department has achieved significant progress, particularly in regard to improving island infrastructure and developing access services. The level of dedicated funding available to my Department and its predecessor for island development has increased from €2.5 million in 1997 to €13 million in 2004. The number of State-assisted ferry and air services has risen from seven to 17 in the same period. Funding is also available for other works and schemes, from my Department and Údarás na Gaeltachta, as well as other Departments and agencies.
The development of the islands and of island communities is a priority for me and, in this context, the following measures are either in train or being planned: the implementation of a €65 million five year capital programme for the islands over the period 2004-08; the full implementation of the Gaeltacht and islands harbours sub-measure of the National Development Plan 2000-2006; the implementation of appropriate recommendations of the recently published report on island transport services carried out for my Department by Malachy Walsh & Partners, a copy of which is available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie; the introduction of a special fund aimed at assisting commercial enterprise on the non-Gaeltacht islands, as the Gaeltacht islands are already served in this regard by Údarás na Gaeltachta; the continued co-ordination of the provision of State services to island communities; and the provision of funding for the health, social and educational facilities where appropriate and in consultation and full co-operation with other statutory agencies and Departments.
