Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senators Mark Wall and Paul Gavan. Before commencing, I remind members participating remotely that they must do so from the precincts of Leinster House. I am pleased today to commence our discussion on a priority item of this committee's work programme, our consideration of the proposed national action plan on the development of the islands from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The coastal islands and communities are a crucial part of both our history and heritage. Our committee wants to hear the voice of islanders and get their opinion on what is needed to stop population decline, reduce the downward trend and build and sustain vibrant communities. Key matters to be discussed include vital transport and social infrastructure needed by the islands, taking in education, childcare, transport, housing and broadband, as well as key supports required in industries like tourism, fishing, small business and farming.

I am very conscious the publication of this action plan is long overdue and while the Covid-19 pandemic has delayed its publication, it also now provides us with a very new dynamic in how we can support islands and communities and stimulate job creation. Key to this are the three very basic elements of infrastructure, which are water, electricity and broadband.

As Minister with responsibility for energy, I insisted Ireland, along with the European Commission and 13 other member states, would sign up to the Clean Energy for EU Islands initiative, which would not only provide reliable and sustainable electricity offering to offshore islands but, if managed properly, can also provide seed capital for a new wave of community enterprise. Broadband is more technically challenging but this Government's welcome commitment to fast-tracking the delivery of this infrastructure must mean a real step change in timelines for our islands. I am firmly of the view that innovative delivery of water, electricity and broadband infrastructure to our islands can be used as a template for other isolated communities right throughout our country, benefiting all our citizens, regardless of whether they reside on our mainland or islands. Therefore, this crucial work on the action plan should be expedited and we must, as a committee, use this short time to have an impactful input and ensure our island populations are catered for as necessary. We must meet their needs and requirements, just as we do with everybody else on the mainland.

I am very happy to welcome two groups before us this morning. We welcome Ms Máire Uí Mhaoláin, chief executive officer of Comhar na nOiléan; Ms Cathy Ní Ghoill, chairperson of Comhar na nOiléan and manager of Comharchumann Forbartha Árann; Mr. Simon Murray, board member of Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann; and Ms Aisling Moran, chair of Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann.

Before commencing I have a note on privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory towards an identifiable person or entity, the witnesses will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. For witnesses participating remotely outside the precincts of Leinster House today, they are reminded that parliamentary privilege does not apply in this case and the same level of caution should be applied as previously mentioned.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I call on Ms Moran and Mr. Murray of Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann to make their opening statement, and they will be followed by Ms Máire Uí Mhaoláin, chief executive officer of Comhar na nOiléan.