asked the Minister for Energy if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Dublin County Council have been frustrated in completing their proposals for an extensive network of walkways connecting the suburbs of Dublin with the Wicklow mountains and the South Leinster way because of the requirements imposed upon the local authorities in question to indemnify him against all claims arising from the walk through State forest lands; if he will indicate the reason the State feels such indemnification is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

My Department have advised Dublin County Council that they are prepared to consent to the walk indicated subject to the council indemnifying me against claims arising therefrom. Such indemnity is necessary to provide protection from claims arising from injury which might be sustained by a member of the public using this walk.