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

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter.

I was delighted to publish Our Living Islands, the national islands policy last week. The commitments in the policy will be delivered progressively over its lifetime and implementation will be underpinned b three-year action plans, the first of which I also published last week alongside the policy.

A whole-of-government approach has been taken in the development of the Our Living Islands and a co-ordinated and cohesive approach in a range of Departments will be required for its implementation. The publication and implementation of this policy was a key commitment in Our Rural Future and its implementation will be overseen within the same framework. Oversight will be carried out by the Cabinet committee on the economy and investment, chaired by the Taoiseach and supported by a senior officials group. Progress reports on implementation will be provided to the Cabinet committee as appropriate, alongside the periodical reports on Our Rural Future.

The Government recognises that people who live on the islands are key participants in the development and delivery of initiatives to develop their own communities. This policy, therefore, is underpinned by the principle of engagement by island communities in its implementation and monitoring. In that context, a monitoring committee, chaired by my Department, will be established, to which I will appoint representatives of the island communities. It is my intention the committee will meet regularly. Its role will be to engage with key Departments, agencies and local authorities in respect of progress on implementation and report periodically to me and the relevant Cabinet committee. I will look for representatives from Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann and Comhar na nOileán. It is important they are represented on it.

Moreover, I want to ensure there will be a geographical spread. This is a living document and-----

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