asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he proposes to employ extra wildlife rangers in County Donegal; if he is aware of the importance of this service in the county and of the difficulty being experienced by his staff in trying to maintain a proper service within the meaning of the Wildlife Act, 1976; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Donegal Wildlife Service.
71.
I do not propose to employ extra wildlife rangers in Donegal. As the Deputy is aware it is Government policy to restrict the numbers employed in the public service, including wildlife rangers. Every effort is being made to ensure that the available wildlife ranger force is deployed to optimum advantage throughout the country as a whole. An increase in the force in County Donegal could only be achieved by reducing the numbers employed elsewhere and I am not aware of any special circumstances that would warrant this.