I propose to take Questions Nos. 472, 473 and 474 together.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department operates within a structured workforce planning framework, with staffing kept under continuous review in line with operational needs and Government policy as set out by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. Recruitment is actively managed, internally and in conjunction with Public Jobs, to ensure the timely filling of posts.
Since 2020, NPWS staffing has increased from approximately 340 to 576, reflecting sustained Government investment in strengthening conservation and enforcement capacity.
A dedicated Wildlife Enforcement and Nature Protection Directorate within the NPWS provides strategic oversight of enforcement activity, including a specialised Wildlife Enforcement Unit of 49 staff. This operates on an intelligence led basis, drawing on expertise across all NPWS directorates to investigate alleged wildlife crime.
My Department does not maintain a static list of vacancies. Instead, workforce requirements are actively managed on a dynamic basis, reflecting the evolving operational environment, with vacancies assessed against overall organisational need and strategic priorities.
At present, vacancies exist across a number of grades, including Conservation Ranger, District Conservation Officer and Regional Manager, reflecting normal staff turnover within an organisation of this scale. These vacancies are being actively progressed through ongoing and recently completed recruitment processes, including the establishment of panels and the scheduling of further competitions.
Interim arrangements are implemented on a structured basis, including the strategic allocation of responsibilities across regional and divisional teams, to ensure continuity of service, appropriate management oversight and the sustained delivery of enforcement functions.
Given the nature of wildlife crimes and enforcement in general, my Department does not provide information that may facilitate non-compliance with legal obligations or otherwise impair operational efficiency. This ensures staff safety and protects the integrity of investigations into wildlife crime, such as illegal trapping and habitat destruction.
The publication of such geographic information could potentially incentivise wildlife crime in areas where there are perceived gaps or limited service.
