Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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228. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prison officer staff forced to retire due to injury sustained in the performance of official duties in each the past 25 years to date; the location of each prison the officer last worked in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51649/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Acting Director General of the Irish Prison Service that employees can voluntarily apply for retirement on the grounds of ill health in the event that the Chief Medical Officer finds them incapable on medical grounds of regular and effective service, due to a current ongoing medical condition that is likely to be permanent.  This procedure is governed by the Department of Finance circular 22/07 which sets out the procedure to be followed, either on the initiative of the employee or of the Department.  I am further advised that it is extremely rare that a Government Department would initiate ill health retirement.

The Irish Prison Service commenced the recording of the relevant data in 2009 and is in a position to provide details from then until now. During that time, approximately 54 employees retired on grounds of ill health as a direct result of a recognised injury on duty. The information requested in relation to prison location is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy in the coming days.