Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 September 2008
870 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prison officers within the prison service; the number of vacant posts; the impact this is having on security and smuggling within our prisons; the plans he has to commence another recruitment competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29950/08]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that, of a total of 3417 prison staff, there were 1898 Prison Officer grade staff and a further 514 Recruit Prison Officers serving in the Irish Prison Service at the end of August 2008 which represents a full complement of staff at that grade. The serving number is inclusive of the additional 123 Prison Officer grade staff, provided following on a Government Decision of 2007 to facilitate the introduction of a range of new security measures.
