Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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208. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of turf cutters who applied for the turf compensation scheme that have had their application refused at the initial stage; the number that are at the internal review stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40749/14]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The qualifying criteria for the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme are that:

- The claimant must have a legal interest in one of the raised bog special areas of conservation or natural heritage areas – ownership or turbary right;

- The claimant must have been the owner or entitled to exercise turbary rights on the land in question on 25 May 2010;

- The turbary on the site must not be exhausted;

- The claimant must have been cutting turf on the land in question during the relevant five year period; and

- No turf cutting or associated activity is ongoing on the property.

I am advised that, at this stage, 99 applicants have been informed by my Department that they do not fulfil the qualifying criteria of the scheme. Of these, nine have applied for an internal review of their case. Five cases have been reviewed and the applicants have been advised of the outcome of the review. Four cases are awaiting review.