Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
332. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of WTE Park Rangers that are based in each National Parks under the remit of National Parks and Wildlife Service as of 18 April 2023; and if he will provide the same figures as of 30 April 2021, in tabular form. [19336/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraGiven the enforcement roles discharged by certain staff in the National Parks and Wildlife Service, for reasons of operational security, my Department does not provide details of staffing in the manner requested.
Currently there are in excess of 70 Conservation Rangers stationed right across the country, and it is my intention to further increase this number, up to 120 Rangers. In April 2021, there were 70 Conservation Rangers stationed throughout the country.
A recruitment competition for Conservation Rangers is being run by the Public Appointments Service. The recruitment is at an advanced stage and candidates are currently being appointed. I have asked my Department to accelerate appointments from this panel, to reach this target of 120 Conservation Rangers within NPWS. My Department is currently engaged with the Public Appointments Service to run another Conservation Ranger competition later this year.
Staffing levels across my Department, including Conservation Rangers, are kept under regular review in line with emerging business needs and Government policy on public sector pay and staffing as advised by the Department of Public Expenditure, NPD Delivery and Reform.
