asked the Minister for Justice what qualifications are required for appointment of persons as probation officers; and what courses of training are available for acquiring these qualifications.
36.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Probation Officers.
35.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will give particulars of the number of persons who are now placed on probation (a) in Dublin city and county, and (b) in the rest of the country; and the total number of full-time probation officers in the same areas.
With your permission a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 36 together.
The supervision of persons placed on probation by the courts is carried out by (1) full-time probation officers; (2) members of organisations which are recognised under the Criminal Justice Administration Act, 1914, for the purpose of the care and custody of youthful offenders; (3) such other persons as the court, at its discretion, may appoint to supervise persons placed on probation.
The services of full-time probation officers are confined to Dublin. The established strength comprises a Probation Administration Officer and six Officers, but there are vacancies for two officers at present and arrangements have been made to have these filled through an open competitive examination conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners. The prescribed qualifications require that candidates must be well-educated, have satisfactory experience in social work and otherwise possess the requisite knowledge and ability and be suitable to discharge the duties of the post of probation officer. The possession of formal qualifications in social science, while desirable, is not essential.
Particulars of the total number of persons at present subject to probation orders are not readily available but I am arranging to have the data compiled and will communicate with the Deputy as soon as possible.