Vol. 481 No. 1
210 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of rangers currently employed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service; if further recruitment will take place in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15731/97]
: The present numbers employed as rangers is 60 — 37 wildlife rangers and 23 park rangers. I am particularly aware of the increased demands and obligations placed upon the National Parks and Wildlife Service staff by, inter alia, the transposition of the EU Habitats Directive through the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997. The question of the recruitment of additional rangers is currently under examination.
