Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Before I open the debate to Members, I wish to raise the issue of funding for community development offices on English-speaking islands. The Minister of State, Deputy McHugh, is aware of the issue because he has worked on it for some time. A number of the islands are located off west Cork, such as Bere Island, Sherkin Island, Dursey Island, Whiddy, Heir Island and Long Island. Funding will be in place until this month. There is a campaign to find a core funding stream and a permanent home in a Department. The Minister of State's officials have made contact, and he has had very senior contact at ministerial level, with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Will he give me an update on progress with that issue?