Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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205. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will address a matter regarding an indemnity scheme for landowners (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15550/19]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My Department has been working for some time to develop an indemnity scheme to indemnify private land owners who allow their lands to be used for recreational purposes.  

This is a complex issue and the legal rights of landowners must be respected, while trying to facilitate access to their lands for recreational users on a permissive basis. 

My Department has been advised that an indemnity scheme such as the one envisaged will require legislative provision.  My officials have been in contact with the State Claims Agency and have sought advice from the Attorney General's Office on the proposed scope, roll-out, and the legal processes required to give effect to such a scheme.  Further contact between officials is likely to take place over the coming weeks on the matter. 

It is envisaged that this scheme, once introduced, will come into effect in upland areas on a phased basis.