Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank both the Minister and Minister for State for their presentations and for answering questions on various departmental programmes. The Minister said that in the past year, over €7 million was spent on relocation expenses, compensation and so forth. In the context of the CAP, there was a hope or an expectation that there would be some funding that could be allocated to those landowners whose holdings include special areas of conservation, SACs, but who are paid very little to leave as is. It was hoped that environmental funds within the CAP budget could be geared in their direction to address issues such as maintenance, flood control and other issues in those SACs. That would then be more akin to the type of compensation deemed necessary or appropriate for those landowners who have many acres which are designated as SACs and from which they derive very little income. Such landowners do not have the same options as those who have turf banks in the context of relocation expenses and compensation. For example, if a landowner has four acres it has a certain value and to be compensated with a turf bank at another location is not adequate.

I am aware that the Minister has faced a dilemma in trying to address this issue, but I understand there is an option to address it in the environmental element of expenditure under the Common Agricultural Policy. I hope it will not be sucked into the REPS which does not shine a light on those caught in this bind. Having spoken to some members of the Peatlands Council earlier in the year, I know the possibility of offering an olive branch was dependent on a successful conclusion of the CAP negotiations. What is the position now?