John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I am not aware of the specific instance to which Deputy Crawford refers. However, we have tried to resolve the disputes that have arisen. There is a scheme in operation which involves the voluntary purchase of designated bogs and under which more than €7 million was paid out last year. The interdepartmental group to which I referred earlier will examine the additional measures necessary to achieve a complete cessation of cutting on raised bogs that are designated as SHCs or NHAs.

Quite a number of Deputies have taken an interest in this subject and I will keep them well informed with regard to anything that emerges from the deliberations of the interdepartmental group in the coming weeks and months. The transition to a full cessation of cutting will take place in respect of 32 raised bogs this year. However, there are some 139 raised bogs in total that have been designated and the transition in respect of the remainder will occur in 2012 and 2014.

We also have the option of providing turf cutters with other plots. This option may not suit everyone but it is open for consideration. We will examine the various options that exist and it is hoped that a satisfactory resolution will be reached.

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