Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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324. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of staff that have been assigned to the recently established wildlife crime unit in the National Parks; the number of additional rangers that have been employed on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4293/22]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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Since December 2020, conservation ranger numbers have increased by 18%. There are currently 86 conservation rangers stationed around the country to enforce wildlife laws; and they are supported by District Conservation Officers, Regional Managers and Divisional Managers. It is my intention to further increase ranger numbers up to 120 and my Department is working towards this goal. For operational reasons, my Department does not release information on where rangers are based. In any event, many rangers work in more than one county.

To support the work of the regional staff, a dedicated Wildlife Crime Unit has been established. As this new Unit grows and settles into its role, it will support the law enforcement work done in the regions - by providing guidance, advice and training. To date, one member of staff has been formally assigned to the new unit, supported by a number of staff across other units. It is planned to formally assign additional members of staff to the Unit this year.