asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, he has to increase the number of welfare officers available to members of the Garda Síochána; if so, when recruitment for these posts will commence; the additional number of welfare officers it is proposed to appoint; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Garda Service.
101.
It is accepted that an expansion of the welfare service for the Garda Síochána is desirable but the appointment of additional welfare officers for the force cannot be considered in isolation from overall Government policy in relation to staffing in the public service and account must be taken of the general restrictions on public service recruitment.
My Department, in consultation with the Department of Finance, are considering the possibility of getting welfare officers for the Garda Síochána by the reassignment of staff who are performing welfare or comparable duties elsewhere in the public service and who may become available for redeployment.