Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and I acknowledge that he is taking the matter on behalf of the other Minister of State, Deputy McGinley. The Minister of State suggested Cork County Council should commission a report on facts that are patently obvious. All it needs to do is to listen to people who live on the island and who access it. The demands are very basic and simple. They need access and they need the cable car not to be out of action for a calendar month. It sounds crazy. I hope the Minister of State can convey to the Minister that there should be a monthly cargo ferry service, subject to weather conditions. It could be funded by the council or co-funded by the Department. It may not be used every month, but if there was an emergency, such as an outbreak of TB on the island, the current cargo ferry service could not meet the needs of the islanders. With or without the report, the Minister of State could listen to the islanders and their demands, which are very reasonable. The Minister of State should convey my deep concern to Deputy McGinley, who has a love of all islands and rural areas.