Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I said, there is a standing invitation to the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association to engage with the Minister so we can achieve a solution that will be acceptable to all. The Minister has devoted much time and effort to coming to such an arrangement and major progress has been achieved. Some 2,000 payments have been made thus far and 2,500 applications have been received. People are obviously opting for the very generous compensation scheme that has been adopted. I understand anyone who participates and opts for the scheme will receive total compensation over 15 years of approximately €23,000. Of course, there are some who would prefer to have fuel provided for them, and I understand 180 people have taken that option. They will get fuel to a value commensurate with what had already been agreed with those who have taken a direct monetary payment.

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