The Forum meets twice a year to monitor progress against the Rathlin Action Plan and includes island representatives and senior officials from relevant Government Departments and local bodies.
On his first official visit to Rathlin, the Minister was met on arrival by the Chairman of the Rathlin Development and Community Association (RDCA), Noel McCurdy.
Danny Kennedy said: “I fully support the Executive’s policy to improve the conditions of all people on our only inhabited off shore island while also protecting its natural and cultural heritage.
The Minister added: “Chairing the Minister’s Forum meeting which monitors progress against the Rathlin Island Action Plan has given me the opportunity to see for myself the ongoing progress being made to improve conditions for islanders .”
He also noted “I look forward to working with Islanders and other interested parties to ensure the sustainability of island life and the promotion of a vibrant island community.