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

I agree with the Deputy. I can imagine how they must feel isolated. It is fine in the summer months when everyone wants to visit the islands but it is different in the winter months. When there is an evening like this, it must be very challenging.

I have been on a number of islands, for example, Clare Island. I apologise, as I should have said I visited Árainn Mhór, not Inis Mór. I have been to Inis Oírr, Inis Meáin, Bere Island and Gola and I intend to visit more of the islands to hear first hand the issues that they have. I want to work with them and support them. We have granted funding because roads and piers are major issues for the islands. I want to try to maintain their schools and keep their children on the islands. That is challenging no matter how one looks at it. I will continue to work with them.

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