Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if turf cutting in conservation areas, by those with turbary rights, will affect the turf cutter's single farm payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23338/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has primary responsibility for the protection of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) under the Habitats Directive. Certain activities, including turf cutting, are restricted in these areas.

Where a farmer cuts turf on a bog plot where cutting is prohibited then he/she is liable to be penalised under cross compliance if the non-compliance comes to light during a cross-compliance inspection or is cross-reported to my Department by officials from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. This penalty can apply to payments under the direct payment and any other area related aid schemes.