Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of applications on a county basis submitted under the 2011 and 2012 cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme; the number of applications for compensation and the number for relocation under each category; the number approved, rejected and on hand in each category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22212/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The Government agreed to a compensation scheme for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation. This cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme now comprises a payment of €1,500 per year, index linked, for15 years or, where feasible, relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs where they can continue to cut turf. Those wishing to relocate can avail of the financial payment or the delivery of 15 tonnes of cut turf per annum while relocation sites are identified and prepared. The costs of acquiring and preparing relocation sites will be met by the State. An additional once-off payment of €500 will be provided where legal agreements are signed with me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Details of the number of applications under the scheme acknowledged by my Department up to 27 April 2012, the number of those applicants expressing an interest in relocation to non-designated bogs, and the number of payments made are set out in the tables.

Payments have been made on the basis that applicants have indicated that they fulfil all the qualifying criteria of the scheme in the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme application form. My Department has been checking and will be continuing to check that all of the qualifying criteria of the scheme have been met. To date, no applicant has been informed that he or she does not fulfil the qualifying criteria.

In a significant number of cases, delays in making payments are due solely to the fact that application forms contain some gaps in the information required. My Department is seeking to make direct contact with applicants in such cases so that payments can issue as soon as possible. In that regard, in recent weeks approximately 230 telephone calls have been made to progress outstanding applications for compensation.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps that have been taken to date to implement the Quirke Report; if he will list the turf committees who have received a full response to the issues raised at the Hodson Bay turf forum; if he will list those committees who have received a partial response and those yet to receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22213/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Quirke Report, which issued following the Peatland Forum held in Athlone at the end of February/beginning of March, contained recommended follow-up actions in respect of 41 of the 53 SAC raised bogs. As a result, my Department has put in place new arrangements focusing on bringing forward relocation projects to meet the needs of the affected communities. This has involved:

· contacting communities affected by cessation in line with the recommendations contained in the report;

· accompanying local community representatives on site visits;

· identifying potential relocation sites;

· making contact with landowners in a number of cases with a view to commencing negotiations on bog purchases; and

· making arrangements for assessing the suitability of a number of potential relocation sites in terms of peat quality/quantity, access and other relevant infrastructure, as well as the potential numbers that could be accommodated in these relocation sites.

Contact with individual communities has taken place at Ministerial level, senior official level and at regional staff level.

It should be noted that the issues involved in following up the Quirke Report recommendations are complex. Each bog and each community is unique and the approach to engagement also varies from bog to bog. In the circumstances, it is not possible at this stage to set out the information in the form requested by the Deputy. However, I can assure him that my Department will follow up with all queries received from either individuals or local committees.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason the commitment on page 121 of the Quirke Report to circulate committees with clarification on buffer zones has not yet been acted upon by him; if he believes that this failure to act helps to build up the trust which has been lacking in the process to date; if he will outline his position on these buffer zones and their implications of changes to current farm practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22214/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the reference in the Quirke Report to a 15 kilometre buffer zone relates to guidance, issued in 2009, by the then Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to planning authorities in relation to appropriate assessment of plans and projects, as required by the Habitats Directive. Reference was made in that document to the need for screening for appropriate assessment where there is a distance of 15 kilometres between a proposed plan area and a Natura 2000 site (such as a raised bog special area of conservation). The reference to 15 kilometres relates to plans, such as County Development Plans, and not to projects, such as applications for planning permission from individual citizens. A letter in relation to this issue has issued from my Department to the chairperson of the relevant local committee.