asked the Minister for Justice if he has satisfied himself as to the effectiveness of the screening system operated in the recruitment of person staff.

The determination of an effective screening system for the selection of suitable candidates for appointment as prison officers is, subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Commissioners Act, 1956, a matter for the Civil Service Commissioners who are, as I am sure the Deputy is aware, independent in the discharge of their statutory functions.

Accordingly, if I had any reason to express my satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of the system of screening prison officer candidates selected by the commissioners for appointment by me, I would consider it more appropriate to convey my views in that regard to the Civil Service Commissioners themselves.