Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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1275. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of WTE qualified entomologists working within the National Parks and Wildlife Service of his Department in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [46724/25]

Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department does not keep a record of qualifications held by all staff members, and accordingly there may be staff working in various roles who have a qualification in entomology but are working in other areas.

The entry grade for recruiting technical and professional staff to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is Wildlife Inspector Grade III. The recruitment process for specialist scientists is by application and competitive interview, which shortlists the most suitable candidates for the specialism in question. Specialist experience is demonstrated via a recognised level 8 qualification in a relevant field as well as experience in a relevant professional setting.

For each of the years in question (2023, 2024 and 2025) there has been one suitably qualified scientist within the Scientific and Advice Directorate of NPWS who has responsibility for issues relating to insect conservation.