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Thursday, 20 May 2021

Written Answers Nos. 218-232

Departmental Staff

Questions (218)

Matt Carthy

Question:

218. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of civil servant posts that were filled through open and internal panels, since April 2020, in his Department and the bodies under the aegis of his Department, by county and by month in tabular form. [27246/21]

View answer

Written answers

The information requested by the Deputy for my Department and the bodies under the aegis of my Department is set out in the tables below.

I would advise the Deputy that the Office of the National Lottery Regulator (ORNL) is a public service body and, as such, ORNL staff are public servants and not civil servants.

In relation to my own Department, all posts filled through open and internal competitions are located in Dublin.

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Month

Number of Posts filled through Open Competition since April 2020

Number of Posts filled through internal Competition since April 2020

April 2020

3

-

May 2020

1

-

June 2020

4

-

July 2020

2

2

August 2020

6

-

September 2020

3

-

October 2020

5

1

November 2020

1

-

December 2020

1

-

January 2021

4

-

February 2021

4

-

March 2021

2

-

April 2021

2

4

May 2021 (to date)

6

-

Office of Government Procurement

Month

Number of Posts filled through Open Competition since April 2020

Number/ location of Posts

Number of Posts filled through internal Competition since April 2020

Number/ location of Posts

April 2020

1

Dublin

-

-

May 2020

2

1 post in Dublin and Cork

-

-

June 2020

-

-

1

Dublin

July 2020

-

-

2

Dublin

August 2020

6

2 posts in Dublin and Sligo. 1 Post in Cork and Meath

8

Dublin

September 2020

-

-

2

Dublin

October 2020

1

Dublin

-

-

November 2020

7

4 posts in Dublin. 1 post in Cork, Meath and Sligo

1

Dublin

December 2020

3

2 posts in Dublin. 1 post in Sligo

-

-

January 2021

5

2 posts in Dublin and Sligo. 1 post in Meath

-

-

February 2021

5

2 posts in Meath and Sligo. 1 post in Dublin

3

Dublin

March 2021

5

4 posts in Dublin. 1 post in Limerick

1

Dublin

April 2021

5

4 posts in Dublin. 1 post in Sligo

-

-

May 2021 (to date)

4

3 posts in Dublin. 1 post in Limerick

-

-

Bodies under the Aegis:

Body

Month

Number of Posts filled through Open Competition since April 2020

Number/ location of Posts

Number of Posts filled through internal Competition since April 2020

Number/ location of Posts

Office of Public Works (OPW)

April 2020

3

1 post in Dublin, Galway and Meath

-

-

May 2020

4

3 posts in Meath. 1 post in Kilkenny

-

-

June 2020

3

Dublin

-

-

July 2020

15

9 posts in Dublin, 3 posts in Meath, 1 post in Limerick, Mayo and Waterford

-

-

August 2020

7

2 posts in Meath and Kilkenny, 1 post in Dublin, Donegal and Limerick

-

-

September 2020

7

3 posts in Dublin. 2 posts in Meath. 1 post in Galway and Limerick

5

2 posts in Cork and Westmeath. 1 post in Meath.

October 2020

7

2 posts in Dublin and Kilkenny. 1 post in Cork, Meath and Mayo.

1

Meath

November 2020

5

2 posts in Dublin and Meath. 1 post in Galway.

1

Limerick

December 2020

5

2 posts in Dublin and Limerick. 1 post in Cork

2

1 post in Galway and Limerick

January 2021

4

1 post in Dublin, Meath, Mayo and Westmeath.

-

-

February 2021

1

Galway

1

Meath

March 2021

1

Dublin

2

Dublin

April 2021

2

Dublin

3

2 posts in Dublin. 1 post in Meath

May 2021 (to date)

1

Meath

1

Dublin

Public Appointments Service (PAS)

April 2020

2

Dublin

1

Dublin

May 2020

-

-

5

Dublin

June 2020

1

Dublin

1

Dublin

August 2020

1

Dublin

-

-

October 2020

1

Dublin

12

Dublin

December 2020

1

Dublin

-

-

January 2021

7

Dublin

-

-

February 2021

6

Dublin

2

Dublin

March 2021

7

Dublin

-

April 2021

2

Dublin

-

May 2021 (to date)

2

Dublin

2

Dublin

National Shared Services Office (NSSO)

April 2020

1

Kerry

-

-

May 2020

-

-

1

Dublin

June 2020

2

Kerry

3

2 posts in Kerry. 1 post in Offaly

July 2020

5

3 posts in Dublin. 1 post in Kerry and Galway

2

Dublin

August 2020

2

Galway

-

-

September 2020

3

1 post in Dublin, Kerry and Galway

-

-

October 2020

1

Galway

-

-

November 2020

1

Galway

-

-

April 2021

1

Dublin

1

Kerry

May 2021 (to date)

1

Offaly

1

Kerry

State Laboratory

April 2020

-

-

1

Kildare

June 2020

1

Kildare

-

-

July 2020

-

-

1

Kildare

August 2020

3

Kildare

-

-

September 2020

1

Kildare

-

-

November 2020

4

Kildare

2

Kildare

December 2020

-

-

1

Kildare

January 2021

1

Kildare

4

Kildare

February 2021

3

Kildare

-

-

March 2021

2

Kildare

-

-

April 2021

1

Kildare

-

-

May 2021 (to date)

1

Kildare

-

-

Office of the Ombudsman

May 2020

1

Dublin

1

Dublin

July 2020

1

Dublin

-

-

August 2020

2

Dublin

-

-

September 2020

1

Dublin

-

-

November 2020

1

Dublin

-

-

January 2021

2

Dublin

-

-

April 2021

1

Dublin

-

-

Departmental Staff

Questions (219)

John McGuinness

Question:

219. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will confirm the way in which the recent recruitment process for the vacant position of Secretary General of his Department was advertised; the number of advertisements placed in publications and through social media; the number of applicants for the position; the number of international applicants; the number of persons on the interview board; the qualifications and gender of same; the number that reached the final interview; if the successful candidate was chosen from a final list of suitably qualified persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27262/21]

View answer

Written answers

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 305 of 28 April 2021 in which I confirmed that I intend to fill the position of Secretary General in my Department via an open competition to be undertaken by the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) with the assistance of the Public Appointments Service (PAS).

TLAC operates under the Code of Practice issued by the Commission for Public Service Appointments in accordance with the principles of merit, consistency, accountability, probity, best practice and professional confidentiality.

I understand that PAS is due to advertise the open competition via the PublicJobs.ie website on 21 May 2021 with a closing date of 10 June 2021.

Cybersecurity Policy

Questions (220)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

220. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a schedule will be provided of IT and email security costs incurred over the past five years to date; and the contractor engaged to deliver the services and or system. [27283/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department implements a security-by-design and defence-in-depth approach to cyber security. The Government’s services are still actively involved in managing and remediating the recent cyberattack on the HSE. Our technical staff continue to operate and monitor all relevant systems to the highest levels, and are closely engaged with experts in the OGCIO and the NCSC to ensure that we follow best practice as it relates to all aspects of Cybersecurity. For operational and security reasons, we are advised by the NCSC not to disclose details of systems and processes which could in any way compromise those efforts. In particular, it is not considered appropriate to disclose information which might assist criminals to identify potential vulnerabilities in departmental cybersecurity arrangements. Therefore, it is not considered appropriate to disclose particular arrangements in place in relation to cyber security tools and services and my Department does not comment on operational security matters.

Data Protection

Questions (221)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

221. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department is fully compliant with GDPR EU requirements, the EU network and Information Security Directive and standards with respect to his Department’s IT infrastructure including Article 29 of GDPR which requires that data processors access only the data they need for their task; if ISO 27001 Annex 9 standards on privileged access are fully met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27344/21]

View answer

Written answers

In relation to my Department, I wish to advise that ICT services are provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO). The services provided by the OGCIO are compliant with GDPR. In reference to your question which points to in Article 29 of the GDPR in particular, I can assure you as a data processor OGCIO has taken all reasonable measures to prevent unauthorised access to personal data through the use of appropriate security processes and controls. These processes and controls include the ability to ensure the ongoing confidentiality, compliance, integrity, availability and resilience of processing systems and services; and the ability to restore the availability and access to Personal Data in a timely manner in the event of a cybersecurity, physical or technical incident.

The OGCIO has adopted a defence-in-depth security strategy which is achieved by utilisation of people, processes, and technology to support the implementation of ICT security services. The threat landscape is constantly evolving and significant effort is expended to continually enhance and strengthen ICT security to mitigate against emerging threats, risks, vulnerabilities and cybersecurity issues. In addition to deploying perimeter security measures, such as intrusion protection systems, software vulnerabilities are managed by maintaining up-to-date versions and aggressively deploying updates and patches to endpoints and applications as they become available.

The OGCIO has employed a policy of least privilege security principle. IT staff are only assigned security roles with levels of access which are essential to perform the tasks and duties associated with their functions. The allocation and usage of privileged user accounts is reviewed and monitored.

The OGCIO has developed an Information Security Management System (ISMS) aligned with the industry security standard ISO27001. This ISMS provides an overall governance framework for information security and sets out security policies, objectives, management oversight, practices and governance and ensures continual improvement of information security management.

Data Protection

Questions (222)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

222. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if any state or semi state bodies which report to his Department are fully compliant with GDPR EU requirements and the EU network and Information Security Directive and standards with respect to their IT infrastructure including article 29 of GDPR which requires that data processors access only the data they need for their task; if ISO 27001 annex 9 standards on privileged access are fully met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27363/21]

View answer

Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that a deferred reply will be issued to him in respect of this Parliamentary Question, in line with Standing Order 51B.

Cybersecurity Policy

Questions (223)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

223. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a schedule will be provided of IT and email security costs incurred over the past five years to date; and the contractor engaged to deliver the services and or system. [27286/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department implements a security-by-design and defence-in-depth approach to cyber security. Technical staff continue to operate and monitor all relevant systems to the highest levels, and the Department is closely engaged with experts in the OGCIO and the NCSC to ensure that it follows best practice as it relates to all aspects of Cybersecurity.

For operational and security reasons, we are advised by the NCSC not to disclose details of systems and processes which could in any way compromise those efforts. In particular, it is not considered appropriate to disclose information which might assist in identifying potential vulnerabilities in departmental cybersecurity arrangements. Therefore, it is not considered appropriate to disclose particular arrangements in place in relation to cyber security tools and services and my Department does not comment on operational security matters.

Sports Funding

Questions (224)

Bríd Smith

Question:

224. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if organisations that applied for stream 1 funding under the large scale sports infrastructure fund remain eligible for stream 2 funding even if their stream 2 funding applications were not submitted before the initial closing date of 17 April 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27290/21]

View answer

Written answers

The National Sports Policy published in 2018 provided for the establishment of a Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The National Development Plan provided a capital allocation of at least €100m over the period to 2027 for the Fund. The aim of the fund is to provide exchequer support for larger sports facility projects with at least €100m being made available over the period to 2027. The first call for proposals opened for applications on 19th November 2018 and closed on 17th April 2019.

Approximately €86.4m of this allocation has already been awarded to 33 proposals and the priority in the short term is on advancing these projects. While it is not proposed to open the LSSIF for new applications at present, my Department is undertaking a review of the LSSIF which is expected to be complete in the coming months. This review will consider, inter alia, progress on all existing grants and whether any additional grants should be awarded including to previously unsuccessful applications. The timing of any new call for proposals will also be considered. Any new allocations or a new call for proposals, whether Stream 1 or 2, will be dependent on receiving additional funding for the LSSIF following the completion of the review of the National Development Plan.

Sports Funding

Questions (225)

Bríd Smith

Question:

225. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on the proposed funding model for the Dalymount Park project which includes 15 million from the large scale sports infrastructure fund; if a stream 2 application has been submitted for this amount; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27291/21]

View answer

Written answers

The funding model for the construction of Dalymount Park is a matter for Dublin City Council in the first instance. In relation to my Department’s involvement with the project, the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects with at least €100m being made available over the period to 2027. Applications were invited under two streams. Stream 1 concerned assistance in the development of detailed plans and analysis for a proposed project. Stream 2 related to assistance for the construction or delivery of a project. Approximately €86.4m of the €100m allocation has already been awarded to 33 proposals,

Dublin City Council made an application, under Stream 1, for a grant towards the design work associated with the redevelopment of Dalymount Park and the allocations announced in January 2020 included a provisional Stream 1 grant of €918,750. Following a process of due diligence, the grant of €918,750 has subsequently been formally awarded to Dublin City Council.

While it is not proposed to open the LSSIF for new applications at present, my Department is undertaking a review of the LSSIF which is expected to be complete in the coming months. This review will consider, inter alia, progress on all existing grants and whether any additional grants should be awarded including to previously unsuccessful applications. The timing of any new call for proposals will also be considered. Any new allocations or a new call for proposals, whether Stream 1 or 2, will be dependent on receiving additional funding for the LSSIF following the completion of the review of the National Development Plan.

Culture Policy

Questions (226)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

226. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans for a full independent audit of the finances and operation of Galway 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27312/21]

View answer

Written answers

Galway 2020 meets its complete annual reporting requirements as a registered company and as a registered charity. The 2020 annual report and audited financial statements for Galway 2020 are currently in preparation and I understand that it is intended that they will be brought before the Board of Galway 2020 before the end of June. Similarly, the 2020 annual report to the Charity Regulator will be submitted in line with statutory requirements.

The Department also has in place a Performance Delivery Agreement (PDA) with Galway 2020 which sets out the roles and responsibilities of Galway 2020 and the Department, and the terms and conditions for the drawdown of funds, including the provision of quarterly management and financial reporting. All such reporting requirements are up to date.

In addition to the provisions within the PDA, Galway 2020 has in place a monitoring and evaluation framework, that is carried out by an independent arts evaluation organisation of behalf of Galway 2020. The monitoring and evaluation framework covers the results and outcomes of Galway 2020 in terms of cultural capacity developed among the artistic community, audience engagement, the social and economic impact of the overall project. It is expected that the report will be published in Q4 this year.

Data Protection

Questions (227, 228)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

227. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department is fully compliant with GDPR EU requirements, the EU network and Information Security Directive and standards with respect to her Department’s IT infrastructure including Article 29 of GDPR which requires that data processors access only the data they need for their task; if ISO 27001 Annex 9 standards on privileged access are fully met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27347/21]

View answer

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

228. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if any state or semi state bodies which report to her Department are fully compliant with GDPR EU requirements and the EU network and Information Security Directive and standards with respect to their IT infrastructure including article 29 of GDPR which requires that data processors access only the data they need for their task; if ISO 27001 annex 9 standards on privileged access are fully met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27366/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 228 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department was already subject to existing Data Protection regulatory provisions prior to the coming into effect of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in May 2018. A Data Protection Officer (DPO) was appointed in 2018, in line with the requirements of Article 37 of the Regulation. The DPO is supported by a dedicated Data Protection Unit, which monitors all data protection activity and provides ongoing advice and support to staff on any issues that arise.

Responsibilities of the DPO included the oversight of arrangements for transition to the new regulatory regime, updating of the Department’s Data Protection Policy, promotion of awareness of the requirements of the GDPR among staff and identification of training needs across the Department.

My Department is committed to protecting the rights and privacy of individuals in accordance with the GDPR and the Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2018 and continues to implement measures to meet its obligations in respect of this legislation. These include regular review of the Department's policies and procedures such as Data Processing Agreements, the Record of Processing Activities (ROPA), and retention schedules while also ensuring that staff have access to data protection training, and support materials and are provided with regular notifications of legal developments.

With regard to the Department's IT infrastructure, systems and procedures, these are operated in accordance with data protection requirements. With regard to the EU Network and Information Security Directive, the Department's technical staff continue to operate and monitor all relevant systems to the highest levels, and are closely engaged with experts in the OGCIO and the NCSC to ensure that it follows best practice as it relates to all aspects of cybersecurity. For operational and security reasons, my Department does not comment on operational security matters.

With regard to those bodies under the aegis of my Department I am advised that each body has a similarly comprehensive range of processes in place to meet the compliance requirements of the GDPR and data protection laws. These include the appointment of a dedicated Data Protection Officer, general and specifically tailored training courses for staff and regular reviews of data protection compliance. I am further advised that these bodies have confirmed IT infrastructure, systems are maintained and processes operated in accordance with relevant data protection laws and best practice as it relates to security requirements.

Question No. 228 answered with Question No. 227.

Departmental Staff

Questions (229)

Matt Carthy

Question:

229. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of civil servant posts that were filled through open and internal panels, since April 2020, in her Department and the bodies under the aegis of her Department, by county and by month in tabular form. [27604/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media was formed in its current configuration following the transfer of the Departments functions on 30th September 2020. My Department does not hold records in the detail requested by the Deputy, relating to appointments prior to September 2020 which relate to those functions which transferred to other Government Departments. I am informed that 57 civil servant posts were filled through open and internal panels in my Department since that date, a significant portion of which was to fill vacancies or for temporary posts. Details are provided in the tables below.

Open

Oct 2020

Nov 2020

Dec 2020

Jan 2021

Feb 2021

Mar 2021

Apr 2021

May 2021

Dublin

2

1

1

3

1

5

19

2

Galway

1

1

1

Kerry

1

2

2

1

Additionally, nine staff were recruited through open competitions to work in the European institutions in Brussels and Luxembourg.

Internal

Oct 2020

Nov 2020

Dec 2020

Jan 2021

Feb 2021

Mar 2021

Apr 2021

May 2021

Dublin

1

1

Galway

1

Kerry

2

There are sixteen State Agencies that come within the scope of this response. Employees of these State Agencies are classified as Public Servants rather than Civil Servants. Below is an overview of appointments which have been made in these State Agencies between 01 April 2020 and 14 May 2021. The Deputy will note, there has been 189 appointments during this period. 77% of which were by way of open competition. Given the majority of the State Agencies are located in Dublin, a high percentage (83%) were appointed to positions in Dublin.

State Agency

No. of Appointments

Open Competition

Internal Competition

Dublin

Outside Dublin

Arts Council

11

8

3

8

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland

2

2

2

Chester Beatty Library

7

7

7

Crawford Art Gallery

0

0

0

0

0

Fáilte Ireland

64

62

2

46

18

Foras na Gaeilge

5

4

3

2

Irish Museum of Modern Art

11

11

11

National Concert Hall

1

1

1

National Gallery of Ireland

4

2

2

4

National Library of Ireland

25

18

7

25

Screen Ireland

8

5

3

7

Sport Ireland

15

8

7

15

Údarás na Gaeltachta

3

3

3

Ulster ScotsAgency

0

0

0

0

0

National Museum of Ireland

22

11

11

19

3

Tourism Ireland

11

3

8

9

2

Total

189

Wildlife Protection

Questions (230, 231, 232, 233, 234)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

230. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number and description if available of all animals and or birds deemed extinct or in danger thereof as identified by trends over the past thirty years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27390/21]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

231. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action taken to protect animals or birds deemed in danger of extinction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27391/21]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which the numbers of landrail continue to be monitored throughout the country; if any revival is indicated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27392/21]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent of areas throughout the country currently regarded as habitats for native and migratory game birds; the extent to which their habitats are protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27395/21]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the degree to which Irish game birds and songbirds deemed to be at risk of extinction continue to be monitored with a view to protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27396/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 to 234, inclusive, together.

My Department is responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, both of which underpin the legislative and policy framework for the protection and conservation of our natural heritage. In particular, the 2011 Regulations transpose two key pieces of EU nature legislation: the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. The 2011 Regulations specifically give effect to the protection of a range of species listed in Annex IV and Annex V of the Habitats Directive and species referred to in the Birds Directive.

Under Article 12 of the Birds Directive, Member States are required to report to the EU Commission on the implementation of national provisions taken under this Directive. In 2019, as part of this reporting obligation, Ireland submitted 209 season specific assessments, including assessments for all of Ireland’s regularly occurring breeding species and a large proportion of those species’ populations that occur here during the non-breeding period.

The 209 ‘species-seasons’ are comprised of:

- 142 assessments of breeding birds (including a short report on one species, Corn Bunting, that went extinct after the Birds Directive came into force);

- 63 wintering accounts with the vast majority related to wintering waterbird populations; and

- 4 accounts of birds using Ireland’s coastlines or offshore waters on passage (i.e. three tern species and one shearwater).

Approximately 30% of Ireland’s breeding bird species assessed are estimated to have remained stable or increased in abundance over the long-term. This cohort includes those relatively recent colonists with strong population growth including Little Egret, Great Skua, Mediterranean Gull, Little Ringed Plover, Bearded Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker. However these recent additions to Ireland’s breeding bird community need to be viewed in the context that almost 20% of Ireland’s breeding bird species, for which we have data, are considered to be in long term decline.

Some of our breeding farmland songbirds have been flagged in recent decades as being particularly vulnerable to the modernisation and intensification of agricultural practices. This ongoing change in agricultural practices has led to the extinction of Corn Bunting as a breeding bird in Ireland and has been a primary driver of long term declines in species such as Corncrake, Yellowhammer, Whinchat and Twite for example. The latter two species’ estimated populations are now considered to be both less than 100 pairs.

Countryside Bird Survey data for two ground nesting songbird species which are still relatively abundant and widespread, namely Meadow Pipit and Skylark, were used for this reporting round. Their preferred breeding habitats include peatlands and unimproved grasslands, and both populations are in decline with the estimated short term abundance of Meadow Pipit declining by over 12% and for Skylark by almost 11%. Over the last 40 years or so the estimated breeding range of the latter has decreased by almost one quarter. Such estimated declines are of particular concern as both Meadow Pipit and Skylark make up significant proportions of the prey base of some of Ireland’s raptors of conservation concern including Merlin, Kestrel and Hen Harrier. The short term declines for the latter two raptors are estimated to be circa 28% and 10% respectively.

Breeding waders as a group continue to suffer significant declines in both population and breeding range, in both the short- and long-term. Species such as Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank and Dunlin, all of which nest on the ground, have declined by 93% or more in the long term. Certain breeding duck populations are also of concern with numbers of breeding Common Scoter continuing to decline to critically low levels. While this species’ range is stable, the population has declined 21-54% in the short-term and 61% in the long-term. The latest assessment of breeding Red-breasted Merganser (which was reproduced from the 2008-2012 reporting period due to a lack of contemporary data) estimates that this breeding population has declined 62% in the short-term.

The majority of Ireland’s breeding seabird species’ long term population trends are now reckoned to be either stable or increasing. It is possible that the increased level of breeding seabird survey effort undertaken by my Department over recent years may be partially responsible for some of these recorded gains. Kittiwake stands out among the seabird cohort where there is now a strong evidence base to conclude that the population is under a sustained and significant decline. Further work on understanding the drivers of this decline is required but indications that a lack of available forage fish may play a role.

Of particular note are the very strong population increases with several of our breeding tern species (e.g. Roseate Tern, Sandwich Tern, Little Tern and Common Tern). At the site level it is evident that targeted conservation measures in the form of wardened tern colonies is resulting in direct and effective conservation positives.

However several of these particular species’ estimated long-term breeding range trends are in decline or stagnant which not only reinforces the need for such conservation management interventions but also clearly sets out the on-going obligation that such conservation initiatives are to be maintained or where necessary improved.

Robust and contemporary population estimates have been produced for approximately 85% of our breeding seabird species. Work is on-going in my Department with further surveys targeting seabirds such as Puffin, Manx Shearwater and Storm Petrel. These species whose colonies are located on offshore islands are particularly vulnerable to invasive mammals. Such survey work is needed to provide context and further targeting of the on-going bio-security conservation measures currently being carried out by my Department.

The vast majority of those wintering populations assessed as part of the Article 12 Reporting process relate to wintering waterbirds. This group includes ducks, geese, swans and waders among others. Due to its geographical location, climate and wetland habitats, Ireland is an important host for hundreds of thousands of visiting waterbirds during the non-breeding/wintering seasons. Due to the relative sizes of their respective biogeographic populations, Ireland is of international importance for several waterbird species including Whooper Swan, Greenland White-fronted Goose, Brent Goose, and Black-tailed Godwit among others. The population trends for wintering birds varies by group and species. Wintering wader populations, for example, are largely showing continued population declines. While the trends for geese vary, with Greenland White-fronted Geese showing a continued recent decline, and others such as the Barnacle goose showing a positive long term trend.

Question No. 231 answered with Question No. 230.
Question No. 232 answered with Question No. 230.
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