Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have a question later on this and I am coming in now in case it is not reached. I am not sure why the question was not grouped but that is the privilege of the Department. I hear the Minister telling me that she listened to the islanders. When I visited a packed AV room meeting, they told me that for 38 years the islands have been fighting to be recognised as a subregional area and socioeconomic development specific to the offshore islands and so on. They tell us there is no basis in EU rules or regulations for precluding the Irish islands from being recognised as a subregional group. Tá siad ag streachailt ar feadh 40 bliain chun an t-aitheantas seo a bhaint amach. They have specifically asked for the recognition as a subregional group. I welcome the Minister having listened and made some changes but that is not what they have asked for. It is especially important if we are serious about a new plan for the islands that will ensure their continuation in a sustainable way.

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