Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 21, 27, 29 and 32 together.

Between 1997 and 2005 Ireland designated 55 special areas of conservation and 75 natural heritage areas for the conservation of raised bog habitat.

In 1999, the then Minister announced a ten year national derogation during which domestic turf cutting could continue subject to certain restrictions. This applied to 31 raised bog sites designated at that time. A similar ten year derogation was applied to the SACs and NHAs designated subsequently.

In May 2010, the previous Government confirmed the end of the derogation for domestic turf cutting in these 130 raised bog conservation sites on a phased basis, with an effective cessation of turf-cutting being implemented on 31 raised bog SACs from 2010.

We must develop a strategic approach to how we manage our peatlands in Ireland. To that end the programme for Government committed to three actions in relation to peat conservation issues: an exemption for domestic turf cutting on 75 NHA raised bogs subject to an agreed national code of environmental practices; an independent mediation mechanism to facilitate resolution on the 55 SAC raised bogs; and an independent mediation mechanism to resolve issues on blanket bogs.

The European Commission has been critical of Ireland's approach to the protection of peatland habitat and initiated infringement proceedings against Ireland in January this year. I have already twice met EU Environment Commissioner Potocnik to discuss the matter since taking office.

The Government intends to act in accordance with the commitments in the programme for Government to address the European Commission infringement proceedings, and respond to the need to give full effect to the decision of May 2010. I will announce details of the Government's intentions on these matters in the coming days and these announcements will also address the position in respect of NHAs.

The voluntary bog purchase scheme is currently, and will remain, closed to new applicants. The Department will write shortly to current applicants under the scheme to update them on their options arising from the Government's intended approach for the future.

It is our intention to resolve the long-standing issues regarding peat extraction on protected sites by working with turf-cutters and local communities to address legitimate concerns while ensuring that Ireland is in compliance with EU environmental legislation. We are putting in place a range of measures which will be designed to meet these twin aims.

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