Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming in this morning and for their opening statements. It is very valuable that we have heard the challenges first-hand from Mr. Ó Maoldhia. It is good that the Department is here at the same to hear them as well. Again, this is another hearing as part of our work on the islands that shows, as was said, the need for Departments to work together, as well as that need for island-specific and almost island-proofing of Departments' work and policies. We have seen that as a trend throughout our work. Mr. Ó Maoldhia just made the point that it is very clear that the islanders want to play their part and are proactive, which is very positive. It is something that should be supported in every way possible, given the amount of positivity clearly on the islands. They are proactive and they want to do X, Y and Z. They want to play their role in relation to climate action and all that we have to do and all that comes with that.

Some of the challenges that have been outlined today again show the need for engagement and working together and for Departments coming together. That fits nicely into the islands policy and this ten-year island policy action plan that is coming for the islands. Can the Department officials tell us anything about the level of engagement there has been with the Minister or Department on rural and community development on the islands on this ten-year policy plan? This ten-year policy for the islands and the action plan that will come with it are critical. It is very important that we have that islands plan, but clearly, because it is for the next ten years, the need for climate action, renewable energy and everything that comes with that obviously needs to be front and centre. That will be critical.