Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
753. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will ensure that her officers, when performing functions under legislation, discover an offence arising, will provide the Garda without delay with any information which would be of material assistance to the Garda in securing the apprehension, prosecution or conviction for this offence. [41091/16]
View answerOffences under the main nature conservation legislation (Wildlife Acts, Habitats Regulations) may generally be investigated and dealt with by officers of my Department or by An Garda Síochána and/or with both organisations working together. Depending on the circumstances of a case, including the nature of the suspected offence, cases may be investigated and litigation taken by either the Minister or by the Gardaí. In circumstances where the Gardaí are investigating a case, my Department endeavours to support the work of An Gardaí Síochána as appropriate. There is excellent co-operation between my Department and the Gardai in these matters.
