Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 October 2019
285. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made on issues relating to public liability insurance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43888/19]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, my Department has, for some time, been examining how best to introduce a scheme to indemnify private land owners, particularly in upland areas, with regard to the use of their lands for recreational purposes. This is a complex issue and the legal rights of landowners must be respected, while trying to facilitate access to their lands for recreational users on a permissive basis.
My Department has been advised that an indemnity scheme such as has been proposed will require legislative provision. My officials met with the Attorney General's Office to explore the various options open to the Department and to identify the precise legislation which would require to be introduced to implement such a scheme. It appears that a number of separate pieces of legislation could require amendment.
In light of the complexity involved, I am also considering other options that might be available to address the matter as an interim measure. My officials have been making enquiries into alternative options and will continue to work to find a solution that meets the concerns of landowners who provide access to their lands for recreational purposes.
