Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

My focus is on delivering front-line services to the communities. In order to achieve efficiencies, there was a co-ordinated approach to local development in the context of county, regional and national planning, and this is the road along which we are proceeding. The islands will also be looked after in this context. The Deputy does not have the monopoly on concern for the islands. I am also concerned, as are my Department and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

See this speech in context