Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will furnish a response to correspondence (details supplied) in respect of bog compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24313/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Under the terms of the bog purchase scheme, my Department provides payment to applicants who apply to sell land or turbary rights in raised bogs that have been statutorily proposed for designation as a Special Areas of Conservation or Natural Heritage Area. This scheme was originally launched in March 1999 and provided standard rates per acre for the purchase of designated raised bog.

In July 2004, an agreement was concluded with the Farming Pillar under "Sustaining Progress", which allowed for an increase in the rates of payment per acre under the scheme. It was also agreed that an ex-gratia top-up payment would be made to people who were previously compensated under the scheme.

In the case of the first person referred to by the Deputy, the land in question was sold to the then Department as part of the scheme in 1999. The individual applied for the ex-gratia retrospective payment in September 2004 and this was paid in August 2005. I am advised that this individual has been fully compensated under the terms of the scheme.

In the case of the second person referred to, the land in question was sold voluntarily to the then Department in 1996 before the introduction of the cessation of turf cutting scheme. As this land was not purchased under the scheme, I am advised that the individual has no entitlement to any further payments.