Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 414: 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 to date in 2012; the number of applications for compensation and the number for relocation under each category; the number approved, rejected and on hand in each category; the total moneys paid to date; the estimated cost by year end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36356/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The Government has put in place a compensation scheme for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation. The cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme now comprises a payment of €1,500 per year, index linked, for 15 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 for qualifying turf cutters will be provided where legal agreements are signed with me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. To date, 2,275 applications have been received by my Department under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme. Details of the applications are set out in the tables that follow this reply.

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. Two applicants have been rejected because the areas on which they have been cutting turf are not within a raised bog special area of conservation. My Department has also begun to make deliveries of 15 tonnes of turf to applicants under the scheme. To date, some 36 applicants have been approved for these deliveries. The total amount of money spent to date under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme is approximately €1.3 million. Of this, some €51,000 was paid during 2011 and the balance has been paid in 2012. The estimated cost of the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme for 2012 is €5 million.