Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am certainly aware of how magnificent the Aran Islands are in every way, from the point of view of geography and people. A policy on the islands has been drafted and each Department has been specifically asked about its actions. When was the Minister's Department contacted by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht? What actions has it taken in regard to the islands? I ask this in the context of a motion that was passed in September which asked for a policy on the islands because of the vacuum that exists.

Scotland has legislation and a policy in respect of its islands and its island population has increased. We value our islands and there is wonderful language in our national planning framework and other documents. Our islands and coastal areas contain some of our most vibrant and culturally distinctive communities. What are we doing to support sustainable life on the islands?

The Minister listed a range of events. I realise that there are many opportunities. What is the Minister's Department setting out in respect of the islands? In contrast to Scotland, the population on our islands is declining.

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