Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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323. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated full year cost of recruiting 20 additional full-time probation officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7110/20]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the Probation Service is responsible as lead in the assessment and management of offenders in our communities. It works to reduce offending, create safer communities and fewer victims through offender rehabilitation. It has a national remit with services delivered locally by staff based in 35 community based offices across the country.

I am informed that the salary scales applicable to the Probation Officer grade (post 1995 scale) run from €31,529 to €61,921 and with long service increments up to €66,118.

On the basis of the regular salary scale, I am informed by the Probation Service that the average cost of a Probation Officer salary, with Employers PRSI included, is estimated as approximately €52,000.

On that basis, I am informed that the estimated full year salary cost of recruiting 20 additional full-time Probation Officers would be approximately €1,040,000 annually.