asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider making a weekly helicopter service available to inhabitants of Tory Island, County Donegal.

18.

asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a weekly helicopter service available to the inhabitants of Inisboffin Island, County Donegal.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 18 together.

Arrangements exist for the use of Air Corps helicopters to provide relief for the inhabitants of islands off our coast during periods of isolation. I am satisfied that these arrangements operate satisfactorily.

Has the central development committee of the Department of Finance had discussions with the officials of the Minister's Department regarding the provision of a helicopter service to facilitate those residing on the islands off our coast?

I have no information about that.

The Minister must be aware that the central development committee ——

I am not so aware.

The subcommittee on islands made this recommendation. The Minister for Finance, who is sitting beside the Minister, claimed some weeks ago in this House that he was very well acquainted with the work of the central development committee. This was one of their proposals. I am asking whether they got in touch with the Department to see if this proposal could be implemented.

I am not aware that they have.

Would the Minister consult his colleague about this matter?

Put down a question to him.

The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.