Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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978. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of new staff recruited by the National Parks and Wildlife Service since May 2016; if interviews have been held and panels established for ranger positions at each of national parks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28101/17]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that there has been significant recruitment across my Department in recent times. Since May 2016 30 staff have been assigned to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and, in addition, 60 seasonal posts have been filled nationwide to cover the busy tourist season in both 2016 and 2017.  A recruitment campaign is currently underway to fill posts at Killarney House which will officially open to the public shortly, and further permanent and temporary posts will be filled across the NPWS in the coming weeks. My Department is currently engaged with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) in recruiting Conservation Rangers. I am advised that interviews have been completed and a panel has been created, from which posts will be filled shortly.

Staffing levels across the Department will continue to be kept under regular review in line with emerging business needs and having regard to Government policy on public sector pay and staffing as advised by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.