Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 July 2020
108. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the review of the National Parks and Wildlife Service will commence; the persons who will be on the review team; the terms of reference of the review; if the review will be time-limited; and if she will give a commitment that she will consult with relevant stakeholders and Oireachtas committee members at all stages of the review. [17523/20]
View answerThere is a commitment in the Programme for Government to review the remit, status and funding of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to ensure that it is playing an effective role in delivering its overall mandate and enforcement role in the protection of wildlife. Preparatory work on this matter can commence once the formal transfer of functions process has been completed. An options paper will be prepared for my Ministerial colleague who will have responsibility for the National Parks and Wildlife Service. This paper will present the different avenues available for such a review, including, inter alia, the stakeholder engagement element, suggested Terms of Reference and timelines for completion.
