Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 350: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will assign responsibility for all issues involving the islands to one Minister and if so which Minister; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6769/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The development of vibrant island communities is an important policy objective of my Department. In this context, my Department supports the well-being of island communities through a range of interventions which assist the social and economic development of island communities, particularly in relation to improving sustainability. Enhancing the quality of life of such communities and providing adequate access to essential services are prerequisites to ensuring their future viability. Responsibility for the islands remains in the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, pending a final decision by Government on its relocation in the context of the ongoing re-allocation of functions between Departments on foot of the announcement by the Taoiseach in this House on 9 March 2011.