asked the Minister for Justice if he will state what procedure is adopted for filling vacancies in the prison service; if the posts are advertised; what are the requisite qualifications; or if it is the policy to make appointments as a result of competitive examination.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prison Service Vacancies.
Warders in the prison service are appointed through the medium of competitive examinations held by the Civil Service Commissioners. Notice is given in the public Press when such examinations are about to be held and particulars as regards qualifications are published.
Appointments as temporary warders are made on the recommendation of a Departmental selection board. Until recently, the selection was made from members of the Defence Forces or emergency services of suitable age, physique and education who applied for appointment through the employment exchanges or directly to the Department. It has now been decided that these temporary posts be offered to members of the military police service.