Vol. 517 No. 2
134 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of additional people who have been recruited to the probation services since June 1999; if there has been a fast-track approach to recruitment as per the agreement between IMPACT and the Government in May 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9462/00]
I fully recognise the staffing difficulties in the Probation and Welfare Service. Indeed, on coming into office I found the staffing situation to be unsatisfactory and instigated a root and branch review of the service. I arranged for an expert group to examine the service gener ally and in particular the staffing requirements of the service. On foot of the expert group's recommendations in relation to staffing, I secured Department of Finance sanction for an additional 39 staff for the service. I understand that the recruitment of these staff is well under way and that offers of assignment have been made by the Civil Service Commission to over 40 candidates following a recent recruitment competition conducted by them.
I am informed that in the period 1 June 1999 to date 13 probation and welfare officers have been recruited to the Probation and Welfare Service from the two recent competitions. Recruitment will continue until all vacancies and the new posts have been filled.
In relation to streamlining of the recruitment process the position is that recommendations made by my Department to the Civil Service Commission have resulted in a situation whereby a certain amount of documentation pertaining to candidates is processed prior to interview stage of recruitment competitions. Every effort will be made to further streamline the recruitment process. In addition, a review of the operational staffing requirement of the service will be conducted shortly.
I should add that to strengthen the Probation and Welfare Service overall I have increased the budget allocation from £16.9 million to £19.9 million this year.
