Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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401. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 4 of 15 December 2022, the date on which the final draft policy for the islands was received by her; the date on which the policy for the islands will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2672/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Government is committed to publishing a 10 year policy on island development with associated three year action plans. Indeed the Programme for Government includes a commitment in this regard.

I can confirm to the Deputy that I received the draft Islands Policy just before Christmas and I am currently reviewing it with my officials. Once it meets with my approval, there are a number of further steps which need to be taken before any Government policy is published. These steps include presentation of the draft to the relevant Cabinet Sub-Committee for discussion prior to its submission to Government for approval. I am committed to progressing the finalisation of the Islands policy in consultation with my Government colleagues as soon as possible.