Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jun 1993

Vol. 433 No. 2

Adjournment Debate. - Wildlife Service.

Mr. Sargent

I am sure the Minister will agree that the Wildlife Service is inadequately resourced. I refer to this matter particularly in light of the United Nations Convention in Trade of Endangered Species which Ireland has endorsed but, unlike other members of the EC, has yet to ratify. I assume it is only a matter of time before our commitments in relation to the CITES Agreement are met. We await with interest publication of the report on Dublin Zoo which refers to this matter — which is the responsibility of the Minister for Education.

The resources available to the Wildlife Service have been shown to be inadequate. I understand there are about 50 pet shops in Dublin. There is a need to train Customs and Excise personnel as well as those in the Wildlife Service, if only to identify the species they encounter. On 3-4 June a shop under the management of Pet World Ireland in George's Street Arcade, Dublin, was visited by the Customs and Excise, the Wildlife Service, the DSPCA, Care for the Wild and the Garda Síochána. About 200 animals, worth an estimated £40,000, were involved and I understand an investigation is being carried out in this regard. On 24 June this shop was closed and I assume the animals have been relocated. Does the Minister have information on this matter?

The CITES Agreement covers not only animals but animal products such as fur and ivory. I understand Dublin Airport is putting on a display in this regard. I would welcome a statement from the Minister on the budget of the Wildlife Service given its responsibilities such as personnel training, provision of equipment for the seizure of animals brought in illegally and facilities for coping with such seizures. Will the Minister agree there is lack of regulation in the area of animal trade? What is being done in this regard and how can the position be improved?

There is a risk of rabies as a result of smuggling. There is also the possibility of a craze like the turtle craze as a result of the movie "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles". There is now an amazing demand for reptiles as a result of the new Steven Spielberg film, "Jurassic Park". I understand there are no quarantine requirements in regard to reptiles. Will the Minister comment on the points I raised, particularly the lack of regulations in this area?

Minister of State at the Department of the Marine (Mr. G. O'Sullivan)

I apologise for the absence of the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Dempsey, who cannot be here this evening.

The Wildlife Service was brought under the aegis of the Office of Public Works in 1987. Prior to this, the service was part of the Forest and Wildlife Service. Since the beginning of 1992, the Wildlife Service and the former National Parks Service of the Office of Public Works have been amalgamated in one unit for reasons of organisational efficiency. It is not possible to separate the financial resources for the amalgamated service into its component parts. In addition, the Deputy should be aware that the salaries and overheads of the professional and technical staff are part of the administrative budget arrangements and it is not possible to separate those costs from the other elements. Apart from salaries and overheads, the financial outturn last year for the amalgamated service was £6.6 million and the allocation for 1993 is £9.1 million.

As the Deputy is aware, public interest in environmental matters is increasing all the time, in urban areas as much as rural. The Government has been aware of this for some time and in November 1991 11 new rangers were recruited, an increase of about 25 per cent. This included one ranger specifically assigned to Dublin, the first time such an appointment was made. This ranger is part of a regional team of 13 officers who cover Counties Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow. In addition the district and regional wildlife officers carry out work in the Dublin area and the professional staff based at 51 St. Stephen's Green are also available when needed.

These appointments point to the Government's ongoing commitment to our natural heritage. Obviously, the Wildlife Service is subject to the same financial constraints as all the other agencies of the State, but I assure the House that the Minister will keep the matter under review. I will convey to the Minister the points raised by Deputy Sargent and I am sure he will contact the Deputy in due course.