Island ferry support
Deputy Keogh asked for support for ferry operators hit by fuel costs, especially services to islands such as Clare Island and Inishturk. The Taoiseach said the operators would be covered under the transport package and that the Government valued island connectivity.
Will the Taoiseach advise me of any supports for ferry operators in light of the increased operating costs due to the fuel crisis? I am thinking of the ferry operators operating ferries to Clare Island, Inishturk and our other islands. As we know, ferries are vital to get islanders to their healthcare appointments, education and other things. I welcome the packages for farmers, hauliers, contractors and so on, but we also must look at ferry operators. Government policy recognises the importance of sustaining island life, but recognition will not be enough here. We must engage with ferry operators, listen to them and make sure that we provide practical and sustainable solutions to make sure it does not affect the islanders.
Comment on this
To be fair, the Minister, Deputy Dara Calleary, alerted all of us to the ferry companies operating to the islands when we were discussing the package at the weekend. It will be covered under the transport package. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, will ensure the ferry companies operating to the islands are covered.
I appreciate the Deputy raising the question because it is an important one and Government was very happy to be in a position to do that. It is an important form of connectivity to our islands, which are a treasured part of our heritage, but also people need these ferries as their lifeblood.