Michael Bell
Question:49 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice the number of prison officers expected to be recruited this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Prison Officer Recruitment.
It is expected that between 150 and 200 prison officers will be recruited to the prison service this year. Approximately 50 new recruits will be taken in in March, a further 50 towards the middle of the year and the balance will be recruited in the latter half of the year.
The precise number of staff to be recruited will depend on a number of factors including final decisions regarding the strengths of the various grades to be assigned to the place of detention at Wheatfield and the availability of new additional prisoner accommodation planned for Mountjoy and Limerick prisons.