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

Before we commence, I remind members participating remotely that they must do so from within the precincts of Leinster House.

I am pleased to hold our second session on the priority item on our work programme, which is our consideration of the proposed national action plan for the development of the islands. Having heard the voice of islanders last week, the committee welcomes the opportunity to hear from the Department about the development of the action plan. As I said last week, the coastal islands and their communities are a crucial part of our history and heritage. This action plan is long overdue and the committee is not only interested in hearing the reasons for the delay, but also wants to use the interim period between now and the publication of the plan to have a constructive and valuable input into the final report. It is essential that the promised plan for island development not only maintains our island populations, but also allows our island communities to grow and flourish. Furthermore, we hope to get a briefing today on the work programme of the interdepartmental committee on island development, which was set up in 2019 with a mandate to develop cross-government policy for island development, on the consultation it has been engaged in and on the challenges and opportunities facing our island communities that have been identified to date.

In this regard, I welcome to our meeting today Ms Bairbre Nic Aongusa, assistant secretary, and Ms Bríd Ní Chonghaile, assistant principal officer, from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Before we commence, I will read 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.

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 Ms Nic Aongusa to make her opening statement on behalf of the Department.