Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1410. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she expects to support efforts towards population regeneration on habitable offshore islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28574/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I launched the Government's new National Islands Policy, Our Living Islands,on 7 June 2023.

Our Living Islandssets out 5 Strategic Objectives, one of which is "Strategic Objective 1 - Revitalise population levels on the islands".

In the associated action plan, firm and time-bound commitments have been given by various Government departments and agencies to fulfil this strategic objective.

Depopulation was the issue of greatest concern to the island communities during the consultation process. Our Living Islands aims to reverse the population decline witnessed on most of the islands while building sustainable futures for island communities as well as empowering them in developing their own islands

The outcomes of delivering this policy will see more people living on the islands and being able to work on the islands regardless of where their employer is headquartered.