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

I have the policy but I need the actions. A number of Departments are critical in this regard. We all know them. I met representatives from Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann. There are issues around planning, sewerage, water, education and health. We need more nurses in particular and we need more GPs, primary care services and services for older people. There are many issues. I have been doing a lot through my Department. On Clare Island, for example, we are trialling a new initiative in areas such as e-health. We are doing other things on other islands. I am trying to do the best I can in my Department. As part of this new policy, I want other Ministers to do the same. I want to use this policy to hold other Departments to account for their actions on the islands, whether these relate to housing, education or health services. It has to be a whole-of-government policy.

This will be the first such policy in 26 years.

The Deputy asked me for a timeline. I hope to have this well done in quarter 2 or earlier. I give her my word on this. This is a priority for me. I want it delivered within, let us say, the next two months.

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