Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Income is an issue for people living on many of the islands. They must have an opportunity to make an income. They are surrounded by the sea and, for many of them, fishing is one of the few ways they have to get an income. Many of the small fishing communities that live on the islands have great problems in getting quota, in particular for the inshore sector. There must be a focus on that to ensure they can get a fair share and get an income.

That issue also relates to infrastructure and piers. The Minister of State mentioned piers. Many of the piers on the islands are in a deplorable state and need a lot of investment as well.

Housing is also a difficulty. I suggest the Minister of State speaks to the Minister about the planning guidelines to ensure they are published as quickly as possible so that we can get clarity and that they provide hope for the future. The people who live on the islands, like people who live in most rural and Gaeltacht communities, want to see their children come back and to have families in the area where they live, go to school where they went to school, play for their local football club and be involved in the local community. They do not have that opportunity if they cannot have a home or an income and livelihood in the area. They are the key elements that must be put in place. As part of that, the Government must invest in infrastructure and create opportunities for people on the islands and in Gaeltacht regions.

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