Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 868: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of bog owners and those with turbary who are still awaiting their €4,700 top up payment; when payment will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19507/05]

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 875: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he intends to issue acreage top up payments to bog owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19568/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 868 and 875 together.

I recently announced that the increased rates per acre agreed under Sustaining Progress for the sale of bog or turbary rights on raised bogs which are designated for conservation purposes would be paid retrospectively to all those who had settled at the previously agreed rates introduced in 1999. In line with commitments made to those who sold at the old rates under the 1999 scheme, the difference between the new and old rates will be paid by my Department, subject to an adjustment to reflect the change in the consumer price index since the original payments were made.

Individuals entitled to these retrospective payments have received notification from my Department. There are approximately 450 individuals involved. A small number have already received the balance of the new incentive payment. All the others will each receive one single payment from the Department comprising the balance of the new incentive payment and an acreage payment reflecting the difference between the new and old rates per acre. Arrangements are being put in place to issue payments as soon as possible.