Liam Kavanagh
Ceist:23 Mr. Kavanagh asked the Minister for the Marine the number and grade of personnel employed by his Department with expertise in environmental monitoring and protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.
There are 41 scientific, technical and administrative staff in my Department whose work concerns environmental monitoring and protection. The numbers and grades are as follows: one inspector and scientific adviser; four assistant inspectors; one senior chemist; one pathologist; four laboratory technicians; four marine surveyors; four engineers; six fishery officers; 11 fish quality officers; one principal officer; one assistant principal officer; one administrative officer; one executive officer and one clerical assistant. In addition, two scientists are employed on a consultancy basis.
The scientific and technical staff are not engaged full-time on environmental work. Other staff may be involved in monitoring and protection as the situation demands. For example, staff of the central and the regional fisheries boards and other state agencies as well as local authorities, regional technical colleges and universities are involved in monitoring work and in providing technical support.