I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 188 together.
The table below shows the current number of permanent staff working in all three forestry divisions in my Department, i.e., Forestry Division, Forest Sector Development (FSD) Division and Forestry Inspectorate Division (including ecology/archaeology).
Please note also that these staff are involved in all aspects of the forestry remit including licensing, promotion, forest health, payments, engagement at National, EU and international level on forestry policy issues and forest sector development. Changes in regulatory requirements in relation to forestry licensing has necessitated an increase in resources.
In addition to the permanent staff, there are currently 20 contract FTE ecologists working on forestry licences and forestry schemes.
Grade/Role
|
Admin
|
FSD
|
Inspectorate
|
Total
|
Director of Forestry
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
Senior Inspector
|
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
Forestry Inspector Grade 1
|
|
3
|
9
|
12
|
Forestry Inspector Grade 2
|
|
1
|
9
|
10
|
Forestry Inspector Grade 3
|
|
5
|
33
|
38
|
Forest Insp G3 (archaeologist)
|
|
|
4
|
4
|
Forest Insp G3 (ecologist)
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
Forest Insp G3 (engineer)
|
|
|
2
|
2
|
AAI (ecologist)
|
|
|
6
|
6
|
Principal Officer
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
Assistant Principal
|
6
|
1
|
|
7
|
Higher Executive Officer
|
14
|
1
|
|
15
|
Executive Officer
|
34
|
1
|
4
|
39
|
Clerical Officer
|
41
|
|
|
41
|
Total
|
97
|
13
|
69
|
179
|