asked the Minister for Finance the number of people employed in the National Park, Killarney, County Kerry, in 1982 and the number employed at present.
8.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment in National Parks.
7.
asked the Minister for Finance the number of people employed in the National Park, Letterfrack, in 1982; and the number employed at present.
9.
asked the Minister for Finance the number of people employed in Glenveagh National Park, Donegal, in 1982; and the number employed at present.
10.
asked the Minister for Finance the number of people employed in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, in 1982; the number employed at present; and if a superintendent has been appointed.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 10, inclusive, together. The numbers requested by the Deputy are being related to 1 January 1982 and 1 January 1984 and are as follows:— Killarney National Park: The numbers employed were 72 in 1982 and 70 in 1984. Connemara National Park, Letterfrack: The numbers employed were 21 in 1982 and 20 in 1984. Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal: The numbers were 44 in 1982 and 47 in 1984. Phoenix Park, Dublin: The numbers employed were 115 in 1982 and 109 in 1984. A superintendent has not yet been appointed in the Phoenix Park.
Why has the number of people employed in the National Parks in Killarney and Letterfrack been reduced? Why is no superintendent employed in the Phoenix Park? There was a reduction of two people in the National Park in Killarney and another two in Letterfrack. The condition of the Phoenix Park has deteriorated considerably. What is the reason for that? Is it because there are fewer people employed or the fact that there has been no superintendent there for the past six months?
The reduction in the numbers employed is due to a number of reasons but the main one is the Government embargo. Before we have an argument about that, Fianna Fáil when in office also adopted that policy. In Glenveagh the posts are of a supervisory nature. It is intended to employ a superintendent in the Phoenix Park. An offer was made to an employee in that range of national parks and we hoped to fill the vacancy in that way. However, it has not proved successful and we are now asking the Civil Service Commissioners to hold interviews.
Does the Minister of State accept that when this matter was raised in the Dáil some months ago I brought to his notice the fact that our greatest national park, indeed the greatest national park in Europe, was without a superintendent? The number of people employed, notwithstanding the ever-increasing use of the Phoenix Park, has been reduced. In raising this matter does he accept that his hand might be strengthened in bringing to the notice of the Government the national disgrace that exists in what should be our greatest national amenity? Does he offer any hope that it will not be turned into a derelict site? That is what is happening.
I do not accept the latter part of the Deputy's question.
There are stray horses and so on.
That is a separate question. I am aware of it. We thought the appointment of a superintendent for the Phoenix Park would be filled by way of a promotion. We believed a very suitable person was offered the position but it did not work out for various reasons. We are not taking steps to fill the vacancy. I do not accept that the park is becoming a derelict site. I was in it recently. Dublin Corporation are carrying out major works there and it may look bad. I was often in the park many times when I was younger. It is in excellent condition. I do not accept the Deputy's allegation that it is becoming a derelict site.
The Minister of State is not traversing the area of the park which I do every morning. Does he accept that the footpaths are in such a state that one walks on them at the peril of breaking an ankle? We do not live on memories of the past. If anyone has eyes they will see that the park is the greatest neglected area we have.
I assure the Deputy I am not living in the past. I was in the park only last week. I do not say I traversed every bit of the park but during the last month I spent a lot of time there. I do not accept the Deputy's allegation.
Will the Minister tell us the approximate saving which will be made in 1984 as a result of cutbacks on the numbers employed in the national parks? Would he agree that these parks are a major amenity? Has his office any plans to create other parks?
We have a few national parks. There is one in Letterfrack, Killarney, Glenveagh and the Phoenix Park. These are fine examples but I do not think there are immediate plans to create any more. We have reorganised the work force in the park's section and we are confident that we are doing just as good a job with this very slightly reduced work force as has ever been done. We hope to open Glenveagh National Park to the public this year. Extra people were taken on there. Posts had to be filled.
The Minister says there are three national parks and that the Office of Public Works do not anticipate establishing any more. When I was in the Department there were moves afoot to turn the Burren area of Clare into a new national park. Has that been forgotten about?
Although I did not mention it the Burren is included.
Has the post of superintendent been advertised?
Not yet.
I trust that that matter will be expedited.