Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38233/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question applied to sell her interest in land in a raised bog special area of conservation under the voluntary bog purchase scheme, administered by my Department. In the light of the issues which have arisen in relation to the voluntary bog purchase scheme, I decided that applicants could, if they wished, transfer instead to the compensation scheme established by my Department for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation. This will allow applicants to retain ownership of their land holding or rights, while availing of compensation.

This 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.

My Department wrote to the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question to outline her options under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme as an alternative to proceeding with her application under the purchase scheme. An application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme was subsequently received, together with a letter from the individual’s solicitor stating that his client was in the process of setting up a bank account. I understand that my Department has not yet received details of this bank account and a reminder letter has issued to the solicitor regarding same. Upon receipt of these details, the application can be processed with a view to making the initial payment under this scheme.