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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 6

Written Answers. - Wildlife Officers.

Tony Gregory

Question:

123 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance the number of wildlife officers in the State; their specific area of responsibility in each case; and the areas, if any, of the country where there are no wildlife offices at present. [239/94]

Tony Gregory

Question:

124 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has to increase the number of wildlife officers to provide adequate protection for our wildlife and to act as a deterrent to those involved in cruel practices against wildlife. [241/94]

Tony Gregory

Question:

125 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has to establish a special mobile unit of wildlife rangers to deal with problem areas in co-operation with the local wildlife office. [242/94]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 to 125, inclusive, together.

The current number of wildlife officers in the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Office of Public Works is: seven Regional Managers; six Assistant Regional Managers; five District Wildlife Officers; 51 Wildlife Rangers and 19 Park Rangers.

These officers are responsible for implementation of the 1976 Wildlife Act and conservation of National Parks, Nature Reserves and other protected areas. Staff are organised on a regional, district and area basis. Each Wildlife Ranger has a specific area of operation.

The NPWS covers the entire area of the State although there are no resident staff in Counties Cavan, Longford, Louth and Meath. These counties and other areas which are not assigned to a dedicated ranger are covered by staff from adjacent areas.
The staffing of the NPWS is currently being reviewed.
There are no plans to establish a special mobile unit at the present time.
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