asked the Minister for Justice if he will state, further to his statements on 28th February at the King's Inns, Dublin, with regard to the welfare and after-care of prisoners when he expects to appoint the two full-time prison welfare officers referred to by him ; what qualifications will be required for these posts; and if he will give further details of the duties involved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Welfare and After-Care of Prisoners.
121.
The appointments in question will be made by me as soon as the Civil Service Commissioners have nominated the selected candidates.
The conditions prescribed for these posts, in addition to the usual qualifications for permanent appointments to the public service, required that the candidates should be of good education, should satisfy the Civil Service Commissioners that they had the requisite knowledge and ability to discharge the duties of the position and that they either possessed a University degree or diploma in Social Science, or an equivalent qualification, or had exceptional personal qualities and exceptional experience in an appropriate field of social work.
The chief duties of the Prison Welfare Officers will be to assist and advise prisoners in their personal and domestic problems, to visit the prisoners' homes if necessary, to endeavour to secure employment for inmates whose date of release is approaching, to compile case-histories, to communicate where necessary with the central and local authorities in matters of housing and social assistance and to co-operate with the voluntary organisations concerned with the welfare of prisoners and of ex-prisoners.
122.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will state, further to his statements on 28th February at the King's Inns, Dublin, with regard to the welfare and after-care of prisoners when he intends to establish the permanent after-care committee referred to by him; and what type of persons will be appointed to this committee.
The establishment of this after-care committee is at present having my consideration. It is my intention that those appointed to the Committee will be persons who are specially interested in promoting the welfare of prisoners and who are in a position, by practical help and guidance, to assist the discharged prisoner to re-establish himself in the community.