Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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514. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the steps he is taking to address badger baiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14014/23]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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515. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of recorded badger baiting incidents for the years 2021 and 2022; the number of prosecutions and convictions of persons for badger baiting since 1 January 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14015/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 514 and 515 together.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff of my Department are working across all regions of the country to address wildlife crime. Staff in NPWS are designated as Authorised Persons under the Wildlife Acts and Authorised Officers under the EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and in that context they have powers of enforcement to deal with wildlife crime, including badger baiting.

The Strategic Action Plan for NPWS will equip it with the organisational capability and supporting structures to enable it to deliver its mandate in protecting our natural heritage. Additional resources are being recruited across all grades and specialisms in NPWS and I have secured agreement to increase the number of conservation rangers to 120 with recruitment already underway to achieve this.

On an ongoing basis NPWS staff conduct patrols and site visits to enforce the various provisions of national and EU legislation, as required. They also investigate reports of breaches of legislation, including in relation to badger baiting. Members of An Garda Síochána are also empowered under the same legislation to investigate alleged wildlife crime offences and to prosecute if they see fit. An Garda Síochána are also authorised under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 where the activity of badger baiting can come under. My officers will work closely with Gardai on badger baiting investigations.

It is normal process that suspected breaches of the law are investigated. Consideration must be and is given to a range of issues, including whether it is considered that the evidence of a crime is sufficient before a decision is taken whether or not to proceed with seeking a prosecution. For the period 2021 to 2022 NPWS have records of 9 suspected badger baiting incidences reported to it. For the period 2013 to 2022, for when records are readily available, there were 4 prosecutions taken by NPWS for interference, disturbance or destruction of badger setts with one further case with summons currently being prepared.

My Department is working closely with the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine and An Garda Síochána and Irish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) in relation to this type of activity. A joint protocol is already in place between NPWS and An Garda Síochána on tackling wildlife crime and to establish closer working relationships between both organisations. This protocol provides for formal liaison arrangements for sharing of information and the carrying out of joint operations in relation to wildlife crime. NPWS are initiating a series of practical training sessions for NPWS staff in collaboration with An Garda Síochána and other relevant enforcement organisations for various wildlife crimes. Investigating badger digging and baiting are one of the modules scheduled.

The NPWS is also working to review, consolidate and modernise the Wildlife Acts and the Birds and Habitats Regulations. The updates to this legislation will be wide-ranging but will have a particular focus on deterrence and on improving the enforceability of wildlife laws.