I propose to take Questions Nos. 83, 110 and 459 together.
In May 2010, the Government confirmed the end of the 10 year derogation allowing a continuation of turf-cutting on raised bogs designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). The Government also established an Interim Compensation Scheme to compensate those who have been cutting turf on the 31 raised bogs sites designated in or before 1999. Some 233 valid applications were received for the €1,000 interim payment. To date, 105 of these have been paid and the remainder are being assessed to confirm whether the individuals qualify. The expenditure will not exceed €233,000 this year.
The bogs affected by the end of the derogation are limited to raised bogs designated for protection as SACs or NHAs. In area, these make up just over 4% of bogland in the State where turf-extraction is feasible. Blanket bogs, which are far bigger in area and occur in uplands and along the western seaboard, are not affected by these measures.
The Inter-Departmental Working Group that I established to examine the modalities of the cessation of turf cutting in designated raised bogs reported on financial implications of various options. Full details of this analysis were published in the Working Group's report of May 2010. I understand the Deputy has a copy of this report and analysis.
I am currently considering the long-term financial commitment required successfully to ensure the protection of all 130 designated raised bog sites and I intend to bring further proposals to Government in this regard.