Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
347. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a breakdown of the indicative costs associated with hiring local authority biodiversity officers, in tabular form. [56164/23]
View answer348. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of biodiversity officers hired by each local authority to date; how many posts have yet to be filled; if there are plans to increase the number of biodiversity officers, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56165/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 347 and 348 together.
The programme to provide funding for Biodiversity Officer roles within local authorities is being delivered by the Heritage Council, which is funded by my Department. Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for the Heritage Council is oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie.
