Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has received a report from Comhairle na Tuaithe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30715/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, I established Comhairle na Tuaithe in January 2004 to address the three issues of: access to the countryside; developing a countryside code; and developing a national countryside recreation strategy. Comhairle na Tuaithe comprises representatives of the farming organisations, recreational users of the countryside and state bodies with an interest in the countryside. Comhairle na Tuaithe reported to me on 27 July 2005 on its work to date. In its report Comhairle na Tuaithe has identified and agreed a set of access parameters to the countryside, which it believes will serve as a basis for conflict prevention and which integrates a variety of needs and responsibilities.

Comhairle na Tuaithe has also agreed the key features necessary for countryside code development, with a focus on the potential application of the internationally-recognised Leave No Trace initiative. Leave No Trace is an international outdoor ethics programme, which explains to visitors their role in caring for themselves, others and the environment, while visiting the countryside, forest or other areas of outdoor recreation. Comhairle na Tuaithe is currently working in partnership with stakeholder organisations to develop a national countryside recreation strategy.