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

From my experience, the only way to keep other Departments on their toes is to get concrete commitments from them. I think we are nearly there on this.

As I said, I am going to meet the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage next week to discuss his Department's actions. As housing, planning and water sewerage services are big issues on the islands, we need strong commitments and actions from that Department.

I reiterate that both of my Departments have shown my commitment to the island communities, with the new special funding scheme under CLÁR for islands and ring-fenced funding under the local improvement scheme, which is specifically for the islands. The UCC report on sustainable community and housing on the west Cork islands was very useful. My officials have gone through it in detail and we will take on board some of its recommendations.

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