Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of applications for compensation or relocation of turf cutters yet to be processed; the number of applications decided upon which are awaiting the issue of a letter of refusal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41942/12]

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. 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 for qualifying turf cutters will be provided where legal agreements are signed with me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Applications under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme continue to be received by my Department. 2,401 applications have been received to date and 2,325 applicants have been sent acknowledgement letters. 1,461 payments and 58 deliveries of turf have been made, with an additional 146 deliveries approved by my Department.

Payments have been made and turf deliveries approved on the basis that applicants have indicated in their application forms that they fulfil all the qualifying criteria of the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme. My Department has been checking, and will be continuing to check, that all of the qualifying criteria of the scheme have been met in each case.

I am advised that at this stage one applicant has been informed that he does not fulfil the qualifying criteria. He has also been informed that he may request a Departmental review of the decision and, if the decision is upheld, he will be able to appeal the decision to the Peatlands Council. While it may be anticipated that there will be further instances where applicants do not qualify, current priority is being given to processing payments to those who clearly appear to meet the qualifying criteria on the basis of the information provided in their application forms.