Gerry O'Sullivan
Ceist:70 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice if a medical director for Irish prisons will be appointed in 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Prison Service Medical Director Post.
I am happy to be able to inform the Deputy that the post of medical director for the prison service was advertised in the national newspapers in recent days. The advertisement appeared last Friday in the four main national papers, in the medical section of the Sunday Press and to-day it appeared in the medical supplement to The Irish Times. The advertisement will also be carried in the next issues of the relevant medical journals.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 29 March next after which the Civil Service Commission will conduct interviews.
As the Deputy may be aware this post was advertised on two previous occasions but failed to attract suitably qualified people. With this in mind the conditions of service for the post have now been revised and the salary being offered has been substantially increased. The post is now being offered on a two year contract basis, renewable, with a salary of £43,000 per annum.
I am reasonably confident that the revised terms being offered will attract suitable candidates and that, on completion of the interviews, I will be in a position to make an early appointment.