Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree absolutely that these services have been in in operation in the Aran Islands for more than 20 years. My objective is to keep as many of these services going as possible. I put it to the Deputy that with regard to air services all the options are being examined at the moment and I hope to be in a position to make a definitive decision by the end of next month. I understand the issues having been to the islands and discussed them with the islanders and having seen the reports from my senior officials. The issue is discussed almost on a weekly basis with the concerned parties. We will bear all of this in mind. My real objective is to look after the welfare of the islanders. We are in difficult economic times. We have €5.9 million as we had last year and we will see what we can do. I agree with the sentiment behind the remarks of Deputy McLellan.

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