Mr. J.P. Mulherin:

The Department has been working away to try to see how an indemnity scheme could be brought in but there are real challenges and legal issues with that. I can see the merit in it but when it comes to the practicalities from a legal perspective, it is not straightforward, hence the reason for the insurance policy and for the sub-group of Comhairle na Tuaithe continuing to look at these issues. We want to show good faith with these farmers and with these communities by introducing this insurance policy as an interim measure.

I will deal with the very specific questions but it is a little time since I looked at this; I am more familiar with the MacGillycuddy's Reeks than with the Deputy’s own area at Binn Shléibhe. On the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, my understanding at the time, through engagement with the MacGillycuddy's Reeks forum, was that individual landowners would be provided with details of the insurance policy and that that has happened.

The area covered is identified as part of the insurance policy. There is a map which shows which part of the mountain is covered. On access to the mountain in these areas, the Department has provided significant funding, particularly in the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, for things like stiles, as referred to by the Deputy and, indeed, for parking. Also, as part of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks project, we have provided funding to a part-time officer, like a rural recreation officer, but who is working specifically on the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and with the community there as part of that.

A fair amount of investment has been made not just in walks around the country but also in mountain areas. There is a pilot project in Croagh Patrick which has happened over the past number of years to try to fix the path up there. There has also been investment in Donegal. A number of things are happening to try to facilitate access to the uplands, to support farmers who are providing that access and there is still a way to go. We certainly have made a significant amount of progress over the past number of years.