Parliamentary Question: Prison Officers Training

5th February 2002

323. Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the compulsory training accorded to prison officers before they take up employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3257/02]
 
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue): The Prisons Service training centre is located in Beladd House, Portlaoise. All recruit officers receive nine weeks induction training. The induction training combines classroom tuition with job familiarisation. Classroom tuition includes lectures, practical exercises and group work on various topics such as the role of the prison officer, the administration of justice, human rights, communication and interpersonal skills. Elements of the training course require a high degree of physical activity such as the use of control and restraint techniques which may be required in emergency situations. Job familiarisation involves the assignment of recruits to places of custody for the purpose of gaining experience of the daily routine of the prison setting. The induction course may, if necessary, be broken into segments and combined with other on-the-job training.