Vol. 577 No. 5
185 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prison officers he intends to recruit from the current panel; the period which this panel will run for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31928/03]
The last competition for the recruitment of prison officers was held in November 2001 by the Local Appointments and Civil Service Commissioners. Persons placed up to 360, approximately, on the panel were called to interview and of these, approximately 140 have taken up employment in the Prison Service.
I am sure the Deputy will be aware of the up to date position regarding my proposed change agenda aimed at eliminating overtime payments and reducing other costs in the Prison Service. In that context the Government approved on 11 November the progressive implementation of a number of measures in the event of failure to reach agreement with the POA. These measures include taking two open centres out of prison service management and mothballing two other institutions. These measures have implications for staffing levels elsewhere in the organisation and will give rise to redeployment of staff to other prisons.
The approved measures also include the holding of a competition for the recruitment to a new entry level grade of prison officer. The Prison Service is carefully examining the detailed arrangements which would need to be put in place to give effect to this aspect of the Government decision. Pending that review and the outcome of the redeployment of staff from the four institutions mentioned, I cannot say how long the current panel will continue.
186 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government when a vacancy (details supplied) in County Donegal will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31712/03]
An overall countrywide package of measures involving the reorganisation of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department is being implemented following agreement with the main trade union involved earlier this year. Arrangements are in hand for the recruitment of additional conservation rangers through the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commissioners. Provision for specific conservation ranger coverage of the area in question will be made within the revised overall organisational arrangements.
