John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he or the Prison Service have plans to recruit staff for the prisons; the way jobs might be advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44210/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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There are currently no plans to initiate a recruitment campaign for prison officers. In accordance with Government Decision S180/20/10/0964C of 3 February and 24 March 2009 on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers, more generally referred to as the moratorium on public sector recruitment, filling of vacancies in the Irish Prison Service is subject to the approval of the Minister for Finance.

Previous recruitment campaigns took place in March 2007 and October 2008; if and when vacancies are to be filled, the Public Appointments Service will notify candidates who are currently on Recruit Prison Officer selection panels.