Vol. 529 No. 1
990 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason there is no probation and welfare service available to prisoners in Cloverhill remand prison, Dublin; the plans he has for its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30524/00]
There is no probation and welfare officer assigned to Cloverhill remand prison at present due to staff shortages. It should be noted, however, that where reports are requested by the courts in relation to prisoners in custody in Cloverhill remand prison, such reports are undertaken by a probation and welfare officer assigned to the local area where the prisoner resides.
Every effort is being made by my Department to address the question of vacancies. The Civil Service Commission recently held a recruitment campaign to fill both existing vacancies and newly sanctioned posts in the probation and welfare service and offers of appointment are currently in the process of being made to successful candidates. In addition, my Department have, in the last week, advertised for the recruitment of 25 additional full-time temporary unestablished positions of probation and welfare officer. Assignments to fill vacancies in the service will be made as candidates from both these competitions take up duty in the coming months.
I can assure the Deputy that recruitment will continue until all vacancies and the new posts in the service have been filled. My Department is also working to heighten the profile of the Probation and Welfare Service as a career option for social work graduates and in this regard will be availing of the Opportunities 2001 recruitment fair at the RDS from 3 to 6 February 2001 to promote the service to graduates.
