Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2022
186. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the qualifications that a National Parks and Wildlife Service inspector has; if a vet with experience attends the inspections at the zoo; and if it has been considered that it should be a multidisciplinary team inspecting if there is such a range of animals. [47200/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has responsibility for implementation of the European Communities (Licensing and Inspection of Zoos) Regulations 2003 which deal with the inspection, licensing and regulation of zoos. These Regulations give effect in the national context to the EU Zoo Directive.
Zoo inspections carried out by my Department are always attended by at least two inspectors. All zoo inspection teams are multi-disciplinary with a range of expert knowledge and experience. At least one experienced zoo wildlife vet attends each inspection. As well as being experienced wildlife vets, a number of the vets contracted to carry out inspections have specialist knowledge regarding particular zoo species.
As part of the tender process for the provision of zoo inspection services to my Department, successful applicants must possess an honours degree in veterinary medicine and / or equivalent qualifications related to the keeping of animal collections. They must also have a minimum of five years practical experience in the management of zoo animal collections (pre or post qualification).
In addition, applicants must show proven expertise and experience of conducting zoo inspections. They should demonstrate a good working knowledge of Irish and EU zoo licensing legislation and process, together with knowledge and understanding of associated legislation including, but not limited to, CITES and BALAI.
As well as many years of practical veterinary experience, the current team of zoo inspectors contracted by my Department also have experience in the provision of training, zoo keeping, wild animal rehabilitation, field conservation, animal welfare, firearms, invasive alien species, CITES and wildlife transport.
