Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2020
968. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 817 of 10 November 2020, the specific educational qualifications or otherwise sought when filling the role of head of environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38059/20]
View answer969. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 817 of 10 November 2020, the differences between the head of ecology and the head of environment; which of these roles has the final say when it comes to environmental issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38060/20]
View answer970. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 817 of 10 November 2020, the person who is the current chief forestry inspector; when the person was appointed; if the role of chief forestry inspector is currently vacant, when it will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38061/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 968 to 970, inclusive, together.
The head of the ecology unit is filled at Forestry Inspector Grade 1 level. The head of this unit is a qualified ecologist. This person leads a team of qualified ecologists. This role deals mostly with ecology related issues in relation to forestry applications.
The person responsible for environmental policy is a Forestry Inspector Grade 1. This role is not specific to ecology and deals mostly with policy and practice elements of environmental compliance.
Both of these roles report to the Senior Inspector who leads the Forestry Inspectorate. This person has been in this position since 2010. There is currently no vacancy in this position.
