asked the Minister for Justice whether two additional probation officers, both women, were recently appointed in Dublin, and whether in making these appointments the Minister had before him the views of the Dublin justices.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Probation Officers in Dublin.
Two probation officers, both women, were recently appointed, bringing the number of female probation officers in Dublin up to three. These appointments were made following a recommendation from the Dublin justices that there should be four female probation officers attached to the metropolitan courts. I am circulating a more detailed statement with the Official Report.
Following is the statement referred to: —
Until the year 1926 there was only one probation officer in Dublin, a woman. In 1926 the number was increased to two women. One of these officers died in March, 1936, and while the filling of the vacancy was under consideration the Minister for Justice suggested to the then senior justice that in addition to two women it would be well to have a male probation officer to deal with male adults and older boys. The then senior justice accepted the suggestion, although expressing some doubt as to whether there was full-time work for such an officer. A male probation officer was appointed accordingly in October, 1936, and in March, 1937, the vacant post of female probation officer was filled and the staff brought up to two women and one man. The number of female probation officers was again reduced to one in May, 1937, by the death of one of these women, and shortly afterwards a recommendation was received from the Dublin justices that a staff of four female probation officers was necessary. The Minister for Justice was not satisfied that there was sufficient suitable work for four female officers and came to the conclusion that it would be more prudent to appoint only two female officers on a temporary basis in addition to the existing one (bringing the staff up to three women and one man) and to review the situation generally after a reasonable interval. The present staffing, therefore, viz., three women and one man, may be considered as more or less experimental.
The following table gives particulars as to age and sex of the persons under supervision according to a recent return: —
|
Sex |
Ages. |
|||
|
Under 14 |
From 14 to 16 years |
From 16 to 18 years |
Over 18 |
|
|
Males |
35 |
40 |
62 |
88 |
|
Females |
3 |
7 |
10 |
44 |
|
TOTALS |
38 |
47 |
72 |
132 |
|
GRAND TOTAL:289 |
Are there any male probation officers?
There is one male probation officer.
Does the Minister think that is sufficient?
When the Deputy sees the statement which I am circulating with the Official Report it will explain the matter.
Then I will wait.