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

I thank the Deputy. I was on Bere Island. In fact, I logged in from that island to attend a Cabinet meeting remotely. I think that was the first time that happened. They actually have really good ideas on the island. I met some of the people in the community. Some of them went all the way to Arranmore for the launch of the policy. It was good to see them there because it is a long journey from Donegal to Bere Island.

Croí Cónaithe is a really good scheme, as the Deputy knows. If you live on an island, you get an additional payment to renovate a derelict vacant property. It will make a difference because housing is a big issue on the islands. There is no doubt about that; it was the thing that came through. We also have to ascertain how to improve the wastewater systems of the islands. There are many factors concerning other Departments. We now have the need ten-year national policy and it is accompanied by a three-year action plan with 80 time-bound actions. I have to hold the toes of the other Departments to the fire and give them a good toasting if they do not deliver. That is the way it works.

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