Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for such positive comments. As I said, it our intention to try and get the strategic plan for the future of the NPWS to Cabinet towards the middle or end of February. We know it has been an expansive piece of work. It has taken us longer than expected, but I think it will be worth it.

I wish to reiterate the comments the Senator made about the NPWS as an organisation. Since I was appointed, I have visited all of our national parks. It is down to the general operatives; the district conservation officers. The teams on the ground are made up of phenomenal people who are doing incredible work. They have carried this work out through Covid because our parks and nature reserves have been open during that time.

The resourcing element that the Senator spoke about is important. I do not think it is enough; it needs to go further. We have a huge ambition for nature over the next decade and beyond. In that regard, I am encouraged by the work we have done to date. I am thankful to people for their patience, because I know it has taken longer than expected. I am also very grateful to the Senator for raising this Commencement matter. It is important to outline the timeline for this work and how it moves forward. When we deliver the plan to Cabinet, the next phase will be the serious phase around its implementation. It will require additional resources and a collective effort across government. I thank the Senator for raising the matter.