asked the Minister for Finance if he will make additional staff available to deal with those applicants seeking a foreshore and inland waters shooting permit; the number of such applicants who are awaiting the issue of such a permit; and the average period of waiting for such a permit.
Written Answers. - Issue of Shooting Permits.
36.
Twenty-six applicants are awaiting permission for the current shooting season. Applications are now being processed within three weeks of their receipt by the Wildlife Service.
There was a large backlog of applications which built up over the last 12 months due to staff shortages. This backlog has now been cleared by arranging overtime working in certain areas. In the circumstances I do not consider it necessary to provide additional staff for this purpose.