Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 4

Written Answers. - Rights of Access.

Joe Higgins

Question:

224 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the ever-increasing problems of denial of access to the countryside to recreational users, he will refer the matter to the Law Reform Commission with a view to considering changes in the law regarding access and public rights of way. [18945/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I assume the Deputy is referring to the direct provision of access to land and the maintenance and creation of public rights of way. My Department has no responsibilities in relation to these matters.

In so far as measures to facilitate recreational activities by persons while on the land are concerned I should say that the Occupiers' Liability Act, 1995, for which my Department is responsible, simplifies and clarifies the law on occupiers' liability. It outlines a duty of care an occupier of premises has towards three classes of entrant – visitors, recreational users and trespassers and it implemented many of the recommendations in the Law Reform Commission's final report on the subject.