46. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will clarify the working practices of the Curragh Rangers. [43500/24]

The Land Staff Team (comprising the Curragh Maor and two Fó-Mhaor) employed by my Department are tasked with assisting with the management of the Curragh Plains, which includes but is not limited to:

- Assisting the Department's Property Management Branch with the supervision of the “Green and Blue” (i.e. outside the Curragh Camp) lands of the Curragh specifically relating to the management, protection and enhancement of the environment, as well as reporting any concerns or issues arising from routine patrols of the Curragh area;

- Ensuring compliance with local Curragh By-Laws;

- Inspecting property boundaries and identification of illegal encroachments onto Department lands;

- Engaging with sheep farmers in the day-to-day management of sheep-grazing rights on the Curragh Plains and for branding and identification of sheep herds;

- Ensuring there is no unauthorised grazing of sheep, horses or other animals or no misuse of the lands generally;

- Reporting any illegal encampments or instances of trespass, nuisance or illegal dumping on the Curragh Plains land;

- Organising and undertaking as required tasks relating to the day-to-day care and maintenance of the Curragh Plain, including but not limited to litter removal, minor repairs, and remedial works.