Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I did not interrupt the Deputy. If it were that simple, it would have been in place for the past 20 years, but it is not that easy or simple. We must introduce legislation. We are holding discussions with the Attorney General. We are also examining other ways of doing this. This is a significant decision. We are trying to protect the landowners and I want to ensure that we get this right. This legislation was included in the list of promised legislation that was published earlier this year. It is my job to ensure that the legislation I introduce is correct. If we can put a scheme in place without legislation, that will be fine. We are considering all alternatives, but I must take the advice of the Attorney General. I do not want incorrect legislation to be introduced and lead to difficulties in the courts, as happened in the past. We are in talks with the Attorney General and the State Claims Agency.

I want to resolve this matter. It is important that no farmer or other landowner ends up before the courts without the protection of the State. If landowners are allowing people to go through their lands, the State must protect them however it can. In whatever legislation or scheme I introduce, I must be careful to protect them. They are the owners of the land and they are No. 1.

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