Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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122. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of staff employed in the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017; the number of inspections undertaken by the NPWS regarding wildlife in the same years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40833/17]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The total number of staff employed in the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department in each of the years requested by the Deputy is as outlined in the table. In addition, my Department recruits a number of seasonal staff each year to meet demand during the busy tourist season at the National Parks.

In relation to inspections, I am further advised that, on an on-going basis, officials of my Department carry out scientific research, survey work and monitoring of compliance with national and European law in relation to nature conservation across the country, as well as conducting patrols and site visits to enforce the various provisions of these Acts, as required. Given the nature and volume of this work it is not possible to quantify the total number of inspections in the manner requested. However, if the Deputy has a specific query in respect of any of this work I would be happy to provide further details.