Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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3448. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the indemnity scheme for mountain climbers and farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40680/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In June 2019, a new mandate was presented to Comhairle na Tuaithe which reinforces and strengthens its advisory role in relation to the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland. Comhairle has established a number of new Subgroups, including a new Sustainable Uplands Recreation Subgroup. This Subgroup will focus, amongst other things, on reviewing the Mountain Access Programme and facilitating its expansion. It will also focus on enabling landowners to continue to allow access to recreational users by addressing issues which may be associated with recreational activity, including indemnity concerns.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department has, for some time, been examining how best to introduce a scheme to indemnify private land owners in upland areas who allow access to their lands for recreational purposes. This is a complex issue and my Department has been advised that an indemnity scheme such as has been proposed would require legislative provision and that a number of separate pieces of legislation might need to be amended.

In light of the complexities involved, my officials have been considering alternative approaches, including an insurance solution, that might be available to address the matter as an interim measure. My Department is actively pursuing the introduction of one of these options on a trial basis for the 2 existing Mountain Access Project areas. This is being brought forward in consultation with Comhairle na Tuaithe.

In addition, I will be exploring with the Attorney General the legislative changes that would be required to advance an indemnity scheme for these upland areas.