Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020
817. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the criteria sought when filling the role of head of environment within the forestry inspectorate; the qualifications or experience sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35162/20]
View answerThere are two main lead roles on environment policy within my Department's Forestry Inspectorate.
The first is Head of the ecology unit which is filled at Forestry Inspector Grade 1 level. The Head of this unit is a qualified ecologist. This is a new role to reflect the significant investment in ecologists by my Department this year to improve our output on forestry licensing.
Separately, another Forestry Inspector Grade 1, who is a qualified forester, heads up the environment policy section. Both of these roles were filled through internal merit-based promotion competitions.
The two Forestry Inspectors Grade 1 report to the Chief Forestry Inspector.
