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

I thank Deputy Connolly. The final draft will be submitted to me by the end of the year. We are very close to the end of the year and I want that draft. With regard to the next steps after that, I hope, if I am still here, to take the draft to a Cabinet committee early in the new year and then to the Government. What is most important is that we have a strong policy at the end of the process. It will be the first island policy in 26 years. It is important that we get it right. I have shown my commitment to the islands. I was the first Minister for Social Protection for many years to increase the island allowance. That was in my first budget in the Department. In Donegal there is a long-running issue with regard to the roads on the islands. I worked with the island community and Donegal County Council. We have the investment there. The roads have been transformed. I was on Arranmore during the summer at the annual AGM of Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann. There is positivity among the island community. I want to work with it. I appreciate the urgency of getting the policy sorted and up and running.

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