Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2021
515. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the islands action plan; the status of the consultation process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3200/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrior to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic my officials had been engaged in a process of consultation with island communities in relation to the development of a new Islands Policy. This consultation was carried out through structured public meetings on the islands. The consultation process had to be temporarily suspended during 2020 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and to avoid health risks, both for the island communities and Departmental officials.
The consultation process was re-commenced through an on-line format in the final quarter of 2020 and will conclude shortly. The Department will also consult with other key stakeholders such as Government Departments and Local Authorities through an on-line approach.
An Interdepartmental Committee was established in 2019 to oversee the development of the Islands policy. This group met on two occasions prior to the commencement of the consultation process. With the main phase of the public consultation process now coming to an end, arrangements are being made to convene a meeting of this group before the end of January.
The Committee will review progress to date and consider the main messages which have emerged from the consultation process. The scope and structure for the drafting of the new policy will also be agreed at that meeting, and the final phases of the consultation process involving discussions with individual Departments will be mapped out.
I envisage that the new Islands Policy will be published in the second half of this year. The policy will be a significant milestone for our offshore islands and will include recommendations to support a cross-Departmental approach to the future development of the islands.
