James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 366: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the arrangements that have been made by the Government to compensate those affected by the cessation of turf cutting in 32 raised bogs, as ordered by the Government and announced by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in order to address their fuel needs for the forthcoming winter. [34587/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Following the end of the 10 year derogation for 32 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) the Government has decided that no further turf-cutting can occur on these sites without Ministerial consent. In May 2010, I announced the introduction of an Interim Compensation Scheme for turbary rights holders who have been cutting turf for their domestic needs for the past five years on these bogs. A gratuity of €1,000 is available to enable them to meet their winter fuel needs. Up to 275 applications were received by my Department by the deadline for application. To date, over 100 applicants have received payment under this scheme. Assessment of the remaining applications is continuing and will be completed shortly.