Vol. 434 No. 6
47 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice the number of probation and welfare staff currently allocated to Mountjoy prison; the plans, if any, she has to increase the number of probation and welfare officers; and if she will give the duties of probation and welfare staff allocated to the prisons and places of detention.
One senior Probation and Welfare Officer and five Probation and Welfare Officers are assigned to Mountjoy Prison. Their duties include helping offenders with personal and family difficulties. Since family support is a vital element of the rehabilitative process, officers actively seek and encourage the co-operation and participation of families in the task of reintegrating offenders into the community. Officers also confront the offender with his/her offending behaviour with a view to developing a lifestyle without resort to crime.
Regarding any increase in Probation and Welfare staff, and as the Deputy is aware, I have undertaken a comprehensive review of the prison system. Any proposals in relation to the Probation and Welfare Service will be considered in the context of that review.
