Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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377. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the budget assigned for the establishment of the wildlife crime unit in 2022; the number of staff planned for the unit; when the staff will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9894/22]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The function of the enhanced Wildlife Crime Unit (to be known as Wildlife Crime Operations) is to support the law enforcement work that has been, and continues to be done by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Regional staff. Some 110 staff, including District Conservation Officers and Conservation Rangers are working across the country to address wildlife crime. 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.

Funding for training, equipment, staffing or other requirements for the operation are met through the increased NPWS budget.