Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

To be fair to the Minister, he has done some very good work for the islands and I could not take that away from him. There are three islands in my constituency and the Minister knows that the number one issue for many years has been infrastructure and getting on and off the islands. What are the Minister's key priorities for the islands for next year? Will the Leader partnership for the islands promised in the agreed programme for Government happen? Is an island allowance in place at present and, if not, what proposals has the Minister for the islanders in that regard?

Islanders have a major cost factor to bear. People living on an island must come to the mainland to shop. They have to get their goods delivered to the pier and then they must pay to have them transported by boat to the island. There should be a substantial allowance if we are to encourage people to live on the islands. In any event, we must give them the infrastructure, back-up and supports they need.

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