Vol. 404 No. 4
279 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current position regarding recruitment to the prison service; if any increase in staffing levels has taken place or is proposed in the near future; if a competition has been held for the recruitment of staff; if so, the number of applicants; the number likely to be called for service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Recruitment to the Prison Service is by way of open competition conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners. A competition was advertised by the Civil Service Commissioners in July 1990 and qualifying written tests were conducted during October 1990. Candidates attaining a sufficiently high placing at these written tests will be called to competitive interview and a panel will be established from which successful candidates may be offered appointment. I am informed by the Civil Service Commissioners that it is not their policy to supply specific information in relation to competitions while they are in progress.
While provision has been made in the 1991 Estimates for a net increase in Prison Service staff levels of 196 prison officers, the precise number to be appointed will ultimately depend on a number of factors including the number of retirements, resignations, etc. Forty seven prison officers have been appointed so far this year from an existing panel of qualified persons established by the Civil Service Commissioners. Additional appointments will be made, on a phased basis, throughout the year, some from the existing panel and the remainder from the new panel.
The Civil Service Commissioners will shortly be advertising further competitions for the posts of Prison Officer (Trades), Industrial Training Instructor II and Clerk of Works (Mechanical). It is hoped that appointments from these competitions will be made in the summer.
