The session was chaired by the state secretary for the sea, Branko Bacic, who said that the Council would promote the development of islands to prevent their depopulation and a possible demographic disaster.
In 2005 the government will set aside 240.5 million kuna for the development of islands, which is the highest amount so far.
The Council, which is presided by Minister Bozidar Kalmeta and consists of parliamentary deputies, representatives of competent ministries and mayors of island towns and municipalities, supported faster implementation of the government's plan to build water supply and sewage systems on islands, which continues to be a major problem for people living on islands.
Today's session also addressed social care programmes, the protection of cultural heritage on islands, the system of secondary education on islands, and investments in local production.