Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A policy process was set up. The Deputy will appreciate that I took responsibility for the islands just a few months ago. I managed to visit an island this summer as well as last summer. Even in the short time I have had responsibility, I have shown my commitment to supporting our islanders. I increased the weekly island allowance from €12.70 to €20 in the budget. This allowance is paid to persons who live on the islands and are in receipt of a social welfare payment. I am the first Minister for Social Protection to increase the island allowance since it was introduced more than two decades ago. I secured an extra €2 million in capital funding for the islands as part of the July stimulus package. This will provide €1 million for small capital works on the islands, €500,000 for capital works required at Connemara airport and €500,000 towards development of the pier on Inisheer, which is an important project.

I am committed to working closely with the islanders and delivering this strategy. I am happy to work with Deputies in developing the strategy so that we get the best outcome for our islanders. Living in remote parts of rural Ireland is difficult, but living on islands can present even more challenges. We want to ensure that we can support them in every way possible.

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