Ms Avril N? Shearcaigh:

There is no getting away from it. It is exhausting trying to make ourselves heard all of the time. We on the islands have to shout a lot louder. We always feel when we make it onto local radio or news that we are always giving out, looking for more, asking for more support, help or money. I do not think they are but I would hate to think the islands would be seen as just a money pit. We actually have something of value to offer and the Deputy highlighted it when he spoke about looking at islands and how to make them sustainable. We can show really good examples of this, be it how to tackle climate change or the effects or tourism. It is always felt at a much more smaller scale but it works in the same way as it would in any area of the country. It is probably just felt a little bit earlier on islands and so we have something really valuable to offer in that sense.

Connectivity on the islands is very important. I have worked from home since before the pandemic and before it was fashionable to do so. A really good Internet connection is vital in terms of being able to participate in a lot of meetings. I am very lucky to be able to join in today from Inishmore on the Aran Islands while the other contributors are on Arranmore. Without being able to participate virtually in some meetings, it would make it impossible to stay informed, on top of what is happening and what discussions are being had around different things that relate to and are important to the islands. As we are dependent on a ferry that leaves at such and such a time, it often means a lot of travelling and overnight stays. As islanders, we are used to that. We put in the extra effort, stay overnight, and travel but it is great to be able to have that connectivity as well.

Making sure we participate in public consultations is also important. We are very active on that side of things to make sure people are aware that we exist and that we are here. We have to make sure we are fighting all the time to have an island perspective included in all of the policies. It is fantastic that we finally have an interdepartmental policy for islands. It is a great start and is something that we can build on. It means there should now be cohesive thinking between Departments on how they tackle island issues and that Departments will be working together. The islands fall under multiple Departments and it is important recognise that. We need to be able to make sure all of those Departments are working together but in consultation with the island communities because nobody from the outside is going to understand the unique issues and challenges we face. It is extremely important that islanders and communities are consulted and that this is an important part of developing any new policies being made in relation to islands.