Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 18 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 2

Written Answers. - Heritage Service.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

29 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of field officers employed by Dúchas; if she intends to recruit further field officers for 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23850/99]

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

For the purpose of the Deputy's question I am taking field officers, as members of the established staff of Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, who are engaged full-time or mainly in field work or monitoring field work.

The following such posts are approved for Dúchas: national parks and wildlife division; 91 conservation rangers – 12 of these officers have yet to be assigned by the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission but it is hoped to have all 91 officers in place by the end of 1999; ten district conservation officers – four positions are currently vacant and a competition is taking place to fill these vacancies; nine wildlife inspectors grade III, including three ecologists who are currently being recruited by the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission; six wildlife inspectors grade II; three wildlife inspectors grade I. Waterways division – 11 engineers – one post currently vacant is being recruited by the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission; five technicians. National monuments and historic properties – four senior architects, two architects, seven architectural assistants, five senior archaeologists, seven archaeologists, six park superintendents, two assistant park superintendents, one taxonomist, one botanist, six district works managers, one curator, one forester, two foremen. Protection of the architectural heritage – two senior architects, five architects, one vacancy yet to be filled.

When existing vacancies are filled, my Department will have all the field officers who are sanctioned in place. However, should vacancies arise during 2000, further field officers will be recruited to fill these vacancies.