Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 June 2018
43. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a cross-departmental discussion will be considered in order to respond to a growing need for powers of enforcement, particularly pertaining to the criminal activity of badger baiting in the countryside. [27074/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraStaff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department are designated as Authorised Persons under the Wildlife Acts and Authorised Officers under the EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and in that context they have powers of enforcement to deal with wildlife crime, including badger baiting.
On an ongoing basis NPWS staff conduct patrols and site visits to enforce the various provisions of national and EU legislation, as required. They also investigate reports of breaches of legislation, including in relation to badger baiting.
Members of An Garda Síochána are also empowered under the same legislation to investigate alleged wildlife crime offences and to prosecute if they see fit. My Department is working closely with An Garda Siochána in relation to this type of activity. Earlier this year, the NPWS organised a Wildlife Crime conference at which a number An Garda Siochána Officers attended. The NPWS and an Garda Siochána are currently developing closer and more formal liaison arrangements for sharing of information and intelligence and the carrying out of joint operations in relation to wildlife crime.
In the meantime, the Heritage Bill 2016 which has completed its passage through Seanad Eireann and Committee Stage in the Dail includes provisions to improve the powers of authorised persons in relation to enforcement activity under the Wildlife Acts. I will continue to keep this matter under review.
