only a lighthouse keeper behind. Responding, the Minister for Fisheries, Fionán Lynch TD said that he did not agree that the people had left the island because of illegal fishing and was making enquiries as to their current circumstances. The Minister said that he "would like to feel that everything was being done to keep them from being a permanent charge on home assistance." The Minister later sent a Principal Officer from his department to report on their circumstances. The Minister then reported in the Dáil that "four of the [six Inistrahull] families derived their livelihood from the Irish Lights boat service to the island, in which they are still able to engage" and that there was no case for state intervention. He also said that his Officer's report indicated that the resettled Islanders were not in "poor circumstances." Last sight of Ireland Inishtrahull is home to the most northerly Irish lighthouse run by the Commissioners of Irish Lights. The lighthouse was first put into operation in 1813 largely because ships of the Royal Navy had begun to use Lough Foyle. Today its light flashes every 30 seconds. The ruins of the old lighthouse as well as a new (1956) lighthouse can be found on the island. Automation of the lighthouse was completed in March 1987 and the last three Lighthousekeepers left the station on 30 April 1987. Over the centuries, Ireland has been the source of millions of emigrants bound for the "New World" across the Atlantic. For many of those emigrants, especially those who departed from Derry, Inistrahull and its lighthouse had a special significance. As one emigrant recalled: Attractions Inishtrahull is well known for its wildlife and is designated a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The island's geographical location and lighthouse attract many unusual birds, as well as a population of grey seals. The island and its adjacent 90-metre depth tidal sound attract basking sharks and cetaceans in large numbers during the summer months. Many scuba-divers use the Islands Port Mór as a lunch spot while out surveying the hundreds of wrecks off its shores. Access to the island is limited by the dangerous tides and currents around Malin Head and the island itself. There are landing restrictions enforced by The Commissioners of Irish Lights (present owners of the Island). Particular care is requested by visitors