Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I believe the Deputy has asked about this issue previously, and I will follow up on those questions. I have been told there are now requirements that these subregional groups specifically include actions relating to the islands, that they have a specific budget for the islands, and that they have representation from the islands. I presume that is on foot of the Deputy's requests or demands. I am not sure whether that was present in the last round. His point is that there is only one subregional area for Galway and there should be at least two on the basis they are not contiguous and are separated by Galway City Council. I will bring those comments back to the Minister. Leaving aside the fact the islands do not have a subregional area, the Deputy made the point that there is much more talk than action, that we should do beart de réir ár mbriathair and that talk is cheap. Galway is a very large county at more than 160 km. I come from a county that is 10 sq. km, so I understand where the Deputy is coming from. I will take his comments on this matter back to the Minister for comment.

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