Vol. 455 No. 8
126 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the number of staff involved in designating special areas of conservation that have agricultural qualifications and/or experience; and if he will give the details of such qualifications, if any. [13212/95]
While agricultural qualifications/experience are not prerequisites for employment on the designation of special areas of conservation (SACs) I understand that two scientists employed permanently on this work have a degree in agricultural science. Four of the management staff involved in an advisory capacity and one member of the administrative staff responsible for the SAC project also have degrees in agricultural science.
All the national parks and wildlife rangers are engaged to some extent in the designation process and have many years of relevant experience with farming and the environment.
