Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1360. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of governor and deputy governor vacancies that are open across the Irish Prison Service as of 20 July 2021; and if she will provide a note on the rotation policy of governors around prisons. [39955/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the Irish Prison Service that there is currently one Governor vacancy across the prison service as of 20 July 2021. That vacancy currently exists at the grade of Governor 3, in the Midlands prison.
I understand that the reference to Deputy Governor is to the position of Assistant Governor grade in the IPS. There is one post at the grade of Assistant Governor which is currently being filled by the grade of Prison Higher Executive Officer.
In relation to the rotation policy referred to, the assignment of Governor grades is a matter for the Director of Human Resources in consultation with the Director General who both act on my behalf, and any assignments and/or reassignments are made having due regard to the needs and exigencies of the entire prison estate at any given time.
In respect of the rotation of Assistant Governors, those serving at such grades may seek to transfer on a voluntary basis to another location by way of the transfer protocol as agreed with the relevant staff representative association. In addition, Assistant Governors may be reassigned in accordance with the needs and exigencies of the service which may arise at any given time.
