69 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine the work he has undertaken since he was appointed to co-ordinate the Government's efforts to encourage development and improvement of living conditions on our offshore islands; the work in progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

There is general agreement that island issues, problems and priorities need to be approached in a more structured way at national, regional and island level. In that context I am currently considering the recommendatins of a recent study commissioned by Údarás na Gaeltachta. The study, while primarily focusing on the question of European co-operation between small islands, makes a number of proposals on ways in which national development and support measures for islands can be better co-ordinated and enhanced. The Department has had discussions recently with Údarás na Gaeltachta on ways and means of taking forward these proposals, drawing on experience elsewhere in the Community.

I have decided as a first step to establish a co-ordination group representative of the relevant Departments. The group will review and prioritise development strategies and recommend on actions to ensure a co-ordinated approach to all aspects of island development including the question of structural relationships. In this context I understand that the formation of a representative islands body is being actively considered. I would very much welcome such a development as being in the interests of the collective island community. I can assure the Deputy that any such initiative will have my full support.