Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
372. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current number of conservation rangers recruited into the NPWS with location based in Waterford and the wider south east region; the current targets for recruitment nationwide by the end of 2024 and by the end of 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21391/24]
View answerGiven the enforcement roles discharged by certain staff in the National Parks and Wildlife Service, for reasons of operational security, my Department does not provide details of staffing in the manner requested.
Currently there are in excess of 100 Conservation Rangers stationed right across the country, and it is my intention to further increase this number, up to 120 Rangers.
A recruitment competition for Conservation Rangers being run by the Public Appointments Service is currently at an advanced stage. I have asked my Department to accelerate appointments from this panel, with the recruitment of a further 20 Rangers. Any appointments across the country made from this panel will take account of both the business needs and financial resources to meet pay costs in the context of Government policy on public sector pay and staffing.
Staffing levels across my Department, including Conservation Rangers, are kept under regular review in line with emerging business needs and Government policy on public sector pay and staffing as advised by the Department of Public Expenditure, NPD Delivery and Reform.
