Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 5

Written Answers. - Community Service Supervisors.

David Stanton

Question:

435 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community service supervisors employed in either a full-time or part-time capacity; the number of posts which are vacant at present; his plans to fill such posts; his plans to extend the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22907/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

The current position with regard to the number of community service supervisors employed in either a full-time or part-time capacity is:

Number of Posts.

Full-time	Employed
3	3
Part-time	Employed
77	74
Vacancies	3

There are currently three vacancies in the position of community service supervisor and interviews took place to fill one of the vacant posts in the western region on Thursday, 19 October 2000. It is expected that interviews for the other vacant positions will be held shortly.

There are no immediate plans at this time to increase the number of sessional supervisors. The two reports of the expert group on the probation and welfare service made recommendations in relation to community service. These recommendations are being considered. Implementation of the recommendations may give rise to a need for some extra sessional supervisors but it is not possible at this time to be specific about numbers.