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

Ar ais linn arís. As the Deputy will be aware, the Government is committed to publishing an islands policy in line with the programme for Government commitment and the commitments made in Our Rural Future. I received a draft copy of the policy before Christmas. While it is clear that a lot of work has been done in getting the draft policy to this point, I am of the view that more work is needed to firm up the text and, more importantly, the actions. I have committed to publishing an action plan along with the policy, as I did with the rural development policy, Our Rural Future. We can see the difference that is making throughout the country in transforming our rural communities, towns and villages. I want to make sure we do the same thing for our islands.

As Minister with responsibility for the islands, I am determined to ensure the policy is delivered. Our island communities have been waiting a long time for this policy. I will not settle for more of the same from State bodies, if that does not deliver anything better for the islands. I want to see them committing to meaningful actions in this plan. On that basis, I have gone back to my officials and asked them to re-engage with colleagues across Departments and agencies to revisit the document and make sure that this islands policy is accompanied by a robust action plan. I am determined that this policy will be finalised as soon as possible so that I can bring it to Government for approval and get it published. However, I will not do that until I am satisfied that it contains credible actions that will make a difference to our island communities.

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