I am aware of a published article that reported on the sharing online of content that are purported breaches of wildlife legislation.
Wildlife crime is a very serious issue, which may encompass breaches of National, European and International legislation that protects wildlife species and encompasses a wide range of behaviours, some of which are very disturbing and morally reprehensible. Preventing and disrupting wildlife crime activities requires a multifaceted approach nationally. That is why I established a dedicated Directorate for Wildlife Enforcement and Nature Protection in the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department to lead on the development of NPWS policies and strategies for wildlife crime.
Combatting wildlife crime is a core mandate of the NPWS. In its mission to protect nature the NPWS is addressing wildlife crime through law enforcement measures together with inter agency collaboration, community engagement, public awareness and education. The NPWS uses locally appropriate targeted responses, patrols and surveillance (ground and aerial) to detect illegal activities such as badger baiting, hare coursing, finching and illegal burning. In line with international best practice, a multi-agency approach is utilised where appropriate to investigate crimes, leveraging our joint protocol with An Garda Síochána and working hand in hand with other enforcement agencies, Departments and others e.g. ISPCA.
The NPWS is further strengthening the legal and policy framework against wildlife crime through a review of wildlife legislation. The review is looking at enforceability of our legislation, the level and category of offences fines and penalties as part of that review. There is also emphasis on capacity-building along the entire enforcement chain in the NPWS (conservation rangers, management, administrative, legal and scientific teams).
It is my understanding that obligations under the REGULATION (EU) 2022/2065 - Digital Services Act relates to how providers of an online service deal with illegal content. There are certain things providers of an online service need to do about illegal content when it is notified to them.
I have asked officials from the Wildlife Enforcement and Nature Protection Directorate to contact the Deputy for more information on the posts shared on social medial platforms. They will then review and consider next steps.
