Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2400. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the progress of an indemnity scheme for access to the countryside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34384/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 with the State Claims Agency in relation to the development of a pilot Indemnity Scheme with a view to the eventual development of a national Indemnity Scheme to strengthen the protection for landowners in respect of recreational users of private lands. My Department has also recently been in touch with the Attorney General's Office with a view to progressing the matter.
I have asked my officials to prioritise the finalisation of the work on the pilot scheme and I anticipate that substantial progress will be made by the end of the year.
