Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The issue for people on the islands is that while the Government says it plans to progress vital infrastructure development for island communities, they believe the reality is different. In the case of Dursey Island, instead of an immediate reassurance to those who farm and live there, the council and Department played pass the parcel. The Department provided funding for a public service because ultimately it was always going to be the responsibility of the Minister's Department. The community and public representatives, including me, had to fight for that. This is not an isolated case. Every time questions to the Minister's Department come up, Deputy Connolly and other Deputies, including me, ask about the forthcoming policy for the islands. Offshore communities have been waiting for years for that policy. It is ridiculous. Numerous questions about island infrastructure and access were tabled today. Does the Minister see why island communities are concerned about the mismatch between Government plans and Government action when it comes to matters such as this?

See this speech in context