David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 11, subsection (2), line 20, after "excuse", to insert "or without right of way".

I welcome the Minister to the House. Senator Reilly, who represented Sinn Féin during the debate on Second Stage of the Bill, is, unfortunately, sick at present. I am stepping in for her today.

Amendment No. 3 deals with rights of way. All public representatives deal with issues of right of way on a regular basis. I am dealing with two such issues in my own county of Waterford at present. I know the importance of rights of way, how they are valued by people, the purpose they serve and the frustration caused if they are removed. A right of way can lead to a beach or a source of water or provide access across a field. Blocking a right of way can be seen as a breach of property rights.

I fully support the main thrust of the Bill. It is important legislation which my party fully supports. It is important, however, that the intent of the Bill in this area is not misunderstood. We have no difficulty with what the Bill is trying to achieve with regard to ensuring that people do not open gates or entrances or do anything that would harm animals. We are concerned that confusion might arise if our amendment is not accepted and the words we propose are not added. It is important that confusion does not reign in issues as important as this. Right of way disputes can lead to unnecessary tensions, and dialogue is the best way of dealing with them. I fear the wording of the section might be misunderstood by some and I look forward to the Minister's response to the amendment.