John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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723. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in processing security checks for applications to the Irish Prison Service; when a person (details supplied) will be informed if they have passed their checks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13390/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will understand, prior to making an appointment to the position of recruit prison officer, the Irish Prison Service is obliged to make such inquires as are deemed necessary to determine the suitability of candidates.

Until all stages of the recruitment process have been fully completed, a final determination as to the success of any candidate cannot be made, nor can it be deemed or inferred that such a determination has been made.

Given the level of responsibility in prison officer positions, it is necessary for checks to be carried out by An Garda Síochána on persons considered for this employment.

These checks can take time to complete for a variety of reasons, some of which may be outside of the control of the Garda Authorities, depending on the circumstances of the individual case.

However, I am assured that every effort is made to expedite this process to the greatest extent possible.