David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

Our amendment was not to excuse people who have access or right of way through a farmer's land from not doing what he or she should do, namely, close gates and refrain from damaging hedges, for example. Our concern was that this provision could be misunderstood and abused by some people who might erect gates on rights of way to frustrate people from gaining access. I am mindful of the Minister's response. Perhaps we could examine the matter further on Report Stage. As I am somewhat persuaded by the Minister's response, I will withdraw the amendment with a view to examining the matter again on Report Stage.