Mr. Kevin Kelly:

We continue to struggle on in that regard. From the point of view of engaging with the island communities, on behalf of Galway County Council, I have absolutely no difficulty with that. It would be ideal if, in addition to the local authority, it was a cross-departmental engagement in order that all of the issues could be adequately teased out.

With regard to the issue of Connemara electoral area, there may well have been some suggestion that the cost would have to be met by the Connemara electoral area, but there was no decision in that regard. With the advent of the new municipal districts, it is not a consideration that is unique to the islands or the Connemara community. At our budget meeting more recently, there was a decision that had to be made in respect of a saving in the east of the county. A substantial part of that saving had to be found within the municipal districts. That is a general approach.

I cannot read my notes in the dark, but the only thing I can say with regard to the grant is that we have come through a democratic process involving the decision of the elected members. The most I can say on that is that I will put any such proposal to the elected members for consideration, having regard to the functions that are reserved to them.