Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 1 Jun 2000

Vol. 520 No. 3

Written Answers. - Probation and Welfare Service.

Dick Spring

Ceist:

113 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in regard to the promised additional 46 staff for the probation and welfare service, he will give the numbers recruited so far; the reasons for the delay in recruiting staff; if his attention has been drawn to serious criticism of the operation of the probation and welfare service, because of the shortage of staffing and resources; the steps being taken to provide additional staff and resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15462/00]

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

I can confirm to the Deputy that I am well aware that the probation and welfare service is under-resourced and every effort is being made by my Department to address the issue. As I have already indicated publicly, I have secured the sanction of the Minister for Finance for an additional 39 staff for the service. In this regard I can confirm that in the period 1 July, 1999 to 29 May, 2000, inclusive, 19 probation and welfare officers have been recruited to the service from the two recent recruitment campaigns. Arrangements are being made for other candidates to take up duty in the coming months.

There are many reasons for delays in recruiting staff. These include issues such as relocation, the necessity to give notice to current employers and in many instances personal circumstances are such that candidates are not in a position to take up the posts immediately the offers are made.

In order to meet existing and anticipated staffing needs for the Probation and Welfare Service my Department is currently in the process of making arrangements with the Civil Service Commission for the holding of a further recruitment competition in the near future. These arrangements are at an advanced stage and it is planned to announce the new competition in June and to advertise extensively including in overseas journals and newspapers. My Department is liaising with the Civil Service Commission to further streamline the competition process to ensure that new probation and welfare officers take up offers of appointment as soon as possible after interview.

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 availed of the recent public sector recruitment fair at the RDS on 28 May 2000 to promote the service to young graduates. It is intended to explore other opportunities to attract as many suitably qualified persons to the probation and welfare service as possible.

I can assure the Deputy that recruitment will continue until all vacancies and the new posts in the service have been filled.