Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I get reports of wildlife crimes and habitat destruction on a regular basis. When I contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service the response is that an investigation will be carried out but very few investigations result in prosecutions. Recent successful prosecutions range from five in 2014 to 21 last year. Clearly, these rates are not a deterrent to people who illegally hunt, poison raptors and damage habitats. Why are there not more prosecutions?

The programme for Government commits to reviewing funding for the National Parks and Wildlife Service but it desperately needs to go further. The service needs to be properly resourced and there is need for a specialised Garda unit to deal with wildlife crime. What assurances can the Tánaiste provide that the laws will be enforced?

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