I propose to take Questions Nos. 349, 350 and 351 together.
Under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), member states must protect their most important natural areas by designating them as special areas of conservation (SACs). The Directive identifies raised bogs as priority habitats and requires that they be given the highest level of protection.
In the context of Partnership 2000, it was agreed that a fair and proper level of compensation shall be paid having regard to the level and extent of restrictions and all reasonable losses arising as a result of SAC designation, and to the difference between the value pre-designation for environmental purposes and subsequent value of the land consequent on designation for environmental purposes and subsequent value of the land consequent on designation as an SAC.
There are some 200,000 ha of blanket bogs proposed for SAC status and the objective is to phase out turf cutting over five to ten years, although on sensitive or ecologically important areas a shorter time frame may apply.