Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The Department is engaged in an overall review of all aspects of the workings of the Department. The Prison Service is a separate service but is dependent on funding from the Department. It is not yet clear what the position will be with regard to retirements from the Prison Service or whether there will be a major difference this year from previous years. I expect to have a clear view in the coming weeks of where matters stand. It may not be fully clear until the end of November. The Deputy can be assured that any new arrangements that may need to be put in place arising out of retirements will be put in place and that we will ensure we have all necessary staff to guarantee the proper running of our prisons.

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