Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 292: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views in regard to possible payments in relation to a bog (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28736/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The bog referred to by the Deputy is designated as a Natural Heritage Area under the Wildlife Acts. In April of this year, the Government made a number of decisions in relation to turf cutting, including the putting in place of a compensation package for those who are required to cease cutting on raised bog Special Areas of Conservation, the establishment of the Peatlands Council and the drawing up of a national strategy on peatland conservation and management. In the context of the national strategy, the position regarding raised bog Natural Heritage Areas will be examined in advance of the 2014 cutting season. Issues of compensation will be included in that review.