Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Heather Humphreys; an Aire Stáit do ghnóthaí Gaeltachta agus acmhainní nádúrtha, an Teachta Kyne; and the Minister of State with responsibility for regional economic development, Deputy Ring. I also welcome Mr. Joe Hamill, who is the Secretary General of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; Mr. Feargal Ó Coigligh and Mr. Niall Ó Donnchú, who are assistant secretaries in the Department; and Mr. Conor Falvey, who is a principal officer in the Department. Gabhaim míle buíochas leo as ucht teacht isteach anseo inniu.

Before we move on to consider the matters before the select committee today, I would like to articulate the concerns of the committee regarding the interruption in the ferry service to the Aran Islands. The committee, without prejudicing any of the participants in the issue, would like to ask the Department to focus as much energy as it possibly can on making sure this difficult issue is resolved as soon as possible. The potential exists for the people of the Aran Islands, especially Inis Mór, to have no ferry service until St. Patrick's Day. In light of what I have said, it is only right for me to give the Minister of State, Deputy Kyne, an opportunity to respond.