National Parks and Wildlife Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024

Thursday, 1 February 2024

Ceisteanna (292)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

292. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what qualifications are required on recruitment and what further in-house training is given to the administration and field staff of NPWS to effectively carry out the function of implementation and enforcement of the various wildlife-related legislation, including the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2018, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, the European Communities (Wildlife Act 1976)(Amendment) Regulations 1986 and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats)(Restrictions on the use of Poison Bait) Regulations 2010. [4902/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department employs a range of administration, professional and technical and industrial staff across a number of grades. The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is responsible for conducting the recruitment process for both administration and professional and technical staff. My Department conduct the recruitment process for all industrial staff, under licence from the PAS. The qualifications required for each appointment are set out in the booklets that issue as part of the respective recruitment campaigns and are a matter of public record..

My Department and the NPWS make available a range of general, specific and professional training to all staff, including induction training and on the job training. Training on wildlife related legislation is provided to staff, as appropriate, by the Ecological Guidance Advisory Unit within the NPWS. Staff are also facilitated in and encouraged to pursue further educational and professional qualifications.