Seán Barrett
Question:104 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Justice if he intends increasing the number of welfare officers available to members of the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Welfare Officers.
There are four welfare officers in the Garda Síochána. Until March 1990 the force had only one welfare officer for the entire country. At the instigation of the Garda authorities, this service was then increased and regionalised. All four officers in this service are members of the force with a strong background in the area of welfare work. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the present staffing of their welfare service is considered adequate to meet the current case load. The situation is, of course, kept under continuing review.