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102. Mr. Sargent   asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the number of wildlife rangers employed in each county; their individual areas of responsibility; their duties; the plans, if any, he has to increase the number of rangers in view of the proposed increase in areas protected under special areas of conservation denigration; the legislation as a result of the habitats directive being transposed into domestic law; and the amendments, if any, being proposed to the Wildlife Act, 1976. [9344/96]
Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins): As it is not possible to describe the specific areas of responsibility covered by each of the wildlife rangers a map has been prepared for the information of the Deputy and will be forwarded to him directly. [137] There are 49 wildlife rangers, one of which is engaged in research work and does not cover a specific location. The principal duties of the wildlife rangers are (a) enforcement of the Wildlife Act, 1976; (b) assisting in wildlife surveys; (c) habitat management and (d) educational work.
The expected legislative changes referred to by the Deputy will deepen and extend the range of these duties and as I regard this area as very important, I will seek to allocate more staff to it as resources permit.
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