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

I know the Deputy has an interest in this issue because she has raised it with me on many occasions. I am pleased to say the policy has now been published. It is a good policy. I met the islanders' representative groups from across the different islands and I must say that on the day, they welcomed the policy, which contains a number of initiatives. I want to see quality remote working hubs developed on every island and new e-health pods. I want high-speed broadband to deliver new opportunities for education through blended learning. HSE representatives were on Árainn Mhór on the day of the launch and they were positive about what they can do to support islanders. The vacant homes refurbishment grant, which has been very successful, will include a 20% top-up for islanders. That is a specific commitment I have achieved. This is a whole-of-government policy. There was a lot of consultation around it. The policy was held up because of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is really and truly a ground-up approach. The islanders have had a considerable amount of input into the policy and I am glad of that because they are the people who need to benefit from it.

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