Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I welcome her dedication and the fact that she wants an action plan. She will forgive my cynicism and, more importantly, that of the islanders who have waited a long time. We have had interdepartmental reports previously. That was what led me to table a motion in respect of this matter before the Dáil, which was accepted by a majority in 2019. It is very serious that the Minister is not happy with what she has been given. When the Minister said it was not strong enough, is she referring to the actual plan or the action plan, or is it the policy she is not happy with? Perhaps she will clarify that. Will she clarify what she is unhappy with? Is the plan not specific enough?

As it happens, by default I saw a programme last night, which is most unusual for me, on TG4 about a return to the islands. It included Arranmore in County Donegal and Aran off the coast of Galway. Despite all the obstacles the islands face, they are still attracting people back. We want Government policy, action and legislation to underpin that.

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