Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 7 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 6

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Austin Deasy

Ceist:

16 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of wildlife rangers working in the field; and the plans, if any, there are to recruit additional staff for these duties in the near future. [10749/98]

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

70 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has sought sanction for the appointment of additional wildlife rangers from the Department of Finance. [10847/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 70 together.

My Department employs 25 industrial rangers and 37 wildlife rangers, 35 of whom are established civil servants. Twenty of the industrial rangers are engaged on duties mainly in the national parks, the remaining 42 rangers are working in the countryside. Plans are currently under way to recruit 30 additional wildlife rangers for a period of three years to assist with the designation of special areas of conservation. My Department has sought sanction from the Department of Finance for the recruitment of these additional wildlife rangers and the request is at present being considered by that Department.