Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 8 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 1

Written Answers. - Wildlife Rangers.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

102 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the number of wildlife rangers employed in each county; their individual areas of responsibility; their duties; the plans, if any, he has to increase the number of rangers in view of the proposed increase in areas protected under special areas of conservation denigration; the legislation as a result of the habitats directive being transposed into domestic law; and the amendments, if any, being proposed to the Wildlife Act, 1976. [9344/96]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

As it is not possible to describe the specific areas of responsibility covered by each of the wildlife rangers a map has been prepared for the information of the Deputy and will be forwarded to him directly. There are 49 wildlife rangers, one of which is engaged in research work and does not cover a specific location. The principal duties of the wildlife rangers are (a) enforcement of the Wildlife Act, 1976; (b) assisting in wildlife surveys; (c) habitat management and (d) educational work.

The expected legislative changes referred to by the Deputy will deepen and extend the range of these duties and as I regard this area as very important, I will seek to allocate more staff to it as resources permit.