Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2018
629. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the timeframe for the publication of a national indemnity scheme to indemnify private landowners against recreational users of their land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50448/18]
View answerThe introduction of a National Indemnity Scheme has been, and continues to be, a key priority for my Department to support the continued provision of access to the countryside for recreational users on a permissive access basis.
My Department has been working to develop a scheme to indemnify private land owners with regard to the use of their lands for recreational purposes. In this context, my officials have been in contact with the State Claims Agency and the Attorney General's Office with a view to progressing the matter.
My Department has been advised that the proposed indemnity scheme should be underpinned by legislation, and my officials are now in the process of identifying the precise legislative requirements and/or processes required give effect to the scheme.
I have asked my officials to prioritise this work and to develop clear proposals to have the scheme progressed and rolled out as soon as possible on a phased basis.
