A parliamentary committee has selected Arranmore Island, Co Donegal, for its first-ever public meeting outside of the Oireachtas.
The islands perspective on key national issues is the focus of the meeting by the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands.
Chaired by Independent TD Denis Naughten, the meeting will take place in Gairmscoil Mhic Dhiarmada, Leabgarrow, Arranmore, and will also be broadcast live on Oireachtas TV, this coming Friday, September 22nd.
The schedule includes modules on climate neutrality and biodiversity on the islands, with Avril Ní Shearcaigh of Comharchumann Fuinnimh Oileáin Árann Teoranta (CFOAT) (Aran Islands Renewable Energy Cooperative).
Housing and sustaining communities on Offshore Islands with Dr. Conor Cashman, UCC School of Applied Social Science, Máire Uí Mhaoláin, CEO of Comhar na nOileán and Nóirín Uí Mhaoldomhnaigh who is bainisteoir of Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór and member of Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann
A third module on eHealth and living longer on islands will involve Dr Ian McCabe, project manager in the HIVE Lab (Health Innovation Via Engineering) at University of Galway. Manager of the Home Health Project, the Healthy Islands Project, and the Virtual Hospital project.
Also speaking will be Dr Jennifer Doran, research physician in the HIVE Lab and Dr Noreen Lineen Curtis, who is a GP serving Clare Island and Inishbiggle, Co Mayo.
Mr Naughten said it would be an “historic occasion as it is the first time a Joint Oireachtas Committee meeting is going to be held outside Dublin”.
“The fact that a live Oireachtas committee broadcast is taking place on an offshore island, clearly shows how the use of technology can bring democracy directly to the people,” he said.
The link to live transmission this Friday can be found on www.oireachtas.ie