Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate that Cork County Council is the lead authority when it comes to the provision of social housing for County Cork, including the islands. I looked at some of the Central Statistics Office data on population change on the islands. There is quite a wide fluctuation between Bear Island, which has seen a reduction in its population, Long Island, which has experienced an increase, and Sherkin Island, which has had a slight reduction. Quite an interesting dynamic is taking hold. It is important for the local authority to take account of that.

It is also important, if there are opportunities for social housing, to reuse vacant dwellings on the islands that could be repurposed. The local authority should give consideration to that. Certainly, our Department is open to any proposals the local authority brings forward in that regard. There are opportunities the local authority should give consideration to in trying to attract families to live on the islands again.

See this speech in context