Since taking office I have taken steps to address the staffing difficulties in the probation and welfare service. As the Deputy is already aware I arranged for an expert group to examine the service generally and in particular its staffing requirements. Following the expert group's recommendations in relation to staffing I secured Department of Finance sanction for an additional 39 staff for the service. The recruitment of these staff is now well under way and I understand that offers of assignment have been made by the Civil Service Commission to over 40 candidates following their successful participation in a recent recruitment competition conducted by it on behalf of my Department.
Indeed, in the period since 1 July 1999 to 10 April 2000, inclusive, 15 probation and welfare officers have been recruited to the service from the two recent competitions. My Department will continue to recruit new probation and welfare officers until all vacancies and the new posts have been filled. In this regard I am informed that my Department is currently in contact with the Civil Service Commission regarding the holding of a recruitment competition for probation and welfare officers this year in order to meet both existing and anticipated staffing requirements. I understand that efforts have already been made to streamline the recruitment process and that this matter will be explored further with the Civil Service Commission.
