Mr. Donal Maguire:

In all fairness, we cannot accept that the islands in their entirety are opposed to the project. Our evidence - I have been out there many times and have made many presentations on the project - is that there is definitely a difference of opinion. Some people are opposed to it, but others are strongly in favour of it.

We cannot suggest how many of those currently resident on the islands might get jobs. We certainly see a situation, as we saw on Clare Island, where many natives of the island would return if the opportunity to work on a farm presented itself. That has been the evidence on Clare Island and I imagine something similar would happen with regard to the Aran Islands project if it is successful and proceeds. I will send the Deputy a detailed breakdown of the jobs if that is acceptable. We have that detail and will forward it to him.