I propose to take Questions Nos. 278, 290 and 291 together.
Wildlife crime is a serious issue seen across many jurisdictions that poses a threat to our biodiversity and the sustainable development of countless communities.
Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity contribute to the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework through National Biodiversity Action Plans. The 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan was launched on 25 January. It included a target to increase compliance with wildlife legislation in co-operation with agencies through enhanced detection, enforcement and awareness raising. This target will be underpinned by enhanced collaboration between the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department, An Garda Síochána, Revenue’s Customs Service and other authorities to ensure adequate training and resourcing to enforce environmental and wildlife legislation.
A dedicated NPWS Directorate for Wildlife Enforcement and Nature Protection is now leading on the development of NPWS policies and strategies for wildlife crime. The NPWS Wildlife Crime Committee reports to this Directorate and assists in informing strategic direction and leadership in relation to wildlife crime and enforcement.
Taking a case from reporting and investigative stage through to successful prosecution can be challenging. Nevertheless, the work of NPWS staff across the organisation has seen an increase in prosecution cases taken of 39% in 2023 compared to 2022 figures, with 169 cases sent by NPWS to the Chief State Solicitors office since 2019 and it has successfully closed over 118 cases since 2020.
A breakdown of cases initiated by the NPWS with the CSSO for each of the years 2019 to 2023 is currently being compiled and when complete will be forwarded to the Deputy. From initial analysis, it appears cases for almost every county in the country were progressed for prosecution by NPWS in recent years.
NPWS's capability to take more enforcement action, detect and prevent wildlife crime is being greatly enhanced through the recruitment of additional NPWS staff. There are now more boots on the grounds patrolling, investigating, enforcing and educating. NPWS are also recruiting ecologists to add scientific expertise and ballast across NPWS to our wildlife crime efforts.
NPWS is building on its joint protocol with An Garda Síochána who have powers and functions to enforce wildlife legislation similar to NPWS authorised officers and in providing mutual support on wildlife crime issues. Citizen reporting is also an essential element in safeguarding nature and helping prevent wildlife crime. I would urge the public to report suspected wildlife crimes to An Garda Síochána or NPWS directly.
Additionally, the Wildlife Act is being reviewed to improve its enforceability, and a public consultation on this will be announced shortly.
