Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021
612. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she plans to share a draft copy of the new islands policy with those representing island communities to ensure a high level of consultation as part of the new policy; the stage the policy is at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35858/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork has begun on preparing a first draft of the Islands Policy, however drafting is at a very early stage so it is very much a work in progress. It was envisaged that the new Islands Policy would be published this year, however I am conscious that getting the policy right is the real priority and this will be the guiding principle.
My Department has placed the islanders at the centre of this process from the outset and has consulted widely with the communities, building and strengthening relationships with the various Island Representative Groups. The Department will continue to keep them updated as to the progress being made. The umbrella organisation representing all the inhabited offshore islands, Comhdháil Oileáin na hEireann, was invited to make a presentation to the most recent meeting of the Inter-Departmental Committee which was held last week.
The presentation reinforced, in a very constructive manner, much of what has been collated in the consultation process to date, emphasising the need for a robust and interconnected islands policy. Additionally, preliminary steps were proposed at the meeting to establish links between Comhdháil and participating departmental representatives to provide island communities with lines of communication to explore relevant island issues.
It is envisaged that a finalised draft of the policy will be ready for consideration by the end of the year. I would also envisage further meetings with island bodies such as Comhdháil in tandem with progressing the draft policy and they will be kept informed and consulted with through all stages of the process.
