Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
928. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht when payment of fuel allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38010/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has put in place a compensation scheme for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation. The 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.
An application for compensation under the scheme has been received by my Department from the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question. I understand that a payment of €1,500 in respect of the first year has been made recently to this applicant. My Department has commenced making payments in respect of the second year to those who had been cutting in raised bog special areas of conservation nominated for designation between 1997 and 1999, such as the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question. I am advised that a payment in this regard will be made to this individual as soon as possible.
