Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 2

Written Answers. - Probation and Welfare Service.

Austin Currie

Question:

185 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that the Probation and Welfare Service has adequate staff and resources, particularly in relation to community service, in the Lucan, Clondalkin, Newcastle, Rathcoole, Brittas and Saggart areas of County Dublin; the number of staff in these areas for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7155/01]

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

The areas mentioned by the Deputy are serviced by four Probation and Welfare staff based in Tallaght and Clondalkin. The staffing level has remained unchanged over the past five years. However, extra resources are planned as candidates from two recent recruitment campaigns take up duty in the coming months.

Every effort is being made by my Department to address the question of vacancies in the Probation and Welfare Service. The Civil Service Commission held a recruitment campaign in recent months to fill both existing vacancies and newly sanctioned posts in the Probation and Welfare Service. Offers of appointment are currently in the process of being made to successful candidates. My Department recently advertised for the recruitment of 25 additional full-time temporary unestablished positions of Probation and Welfare Officer and interviews to fill these posts are expected to be held shortly.