I propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 391 together.
Conservation rangers are being recruited to fill nine vacancies within the national parks and wildlife service in my Department. Interviews under the auspices of the public appointments service, PAS, are being completed and offers of assignment will be made by PAS as soon as possible.
My Department has agreed in principle with the Department of Agriculture and Food, following consultation also with the trade union concerned, to accept suitable staff from the supervisory agricultural officers grade for secondment on an additional basis to the national parks and wildlife service. Interviews have been held and discussions are taking place with identified candidates on possible assignments.