Vol. 515 No. 5
27 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, she has to increase the number of wildlife rangers to a realistic level in order that the preservation of habitats and wildlife will be properly policed. [6430/00]
45 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of wildlife rangers employed by her Department; the responsibilities and duties assigned to them; if she has satisfied herself that sufficient numbers are employed to carry out these duties in a professional and efficient manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6424/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 45 together.
The number of conservation ranger posts in my Department has increased to 90 in the last 12 months. A small number of these posts have yet to be filled. I regard this as a realistic level in order that the preservation of habitats and wildlife, as required under the Wildlife Act and the EU Habitats Directive, be properly policed and implemented.
