Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Our current policies are guided by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, which has responsibility for the islands. We work closely with those responsible. The cross-Government departmental committee for island development has been established and is chaired by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Our Department actively participates in this group to identify areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration.

We talked about the response to the digital age. We should look at the story created in Arranmore in County Donegal, which has set up a hub. I met one of the island's residents in Brussels last Tuesday. The model has been shown across Europe to illustrate what can be done.

Broadband connection points are also relevant. The Department has also allocated broadband connection points to islands in recognition of their isolation.

I assure the Deputy that the islands are high on the Government's agenda. Action in this area is led by the Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Kyne. We will continue to work across all Departments to ensure the islands remain on the agenda.

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