Ballot held today by Probation and Welfare Officers on strike action

Parole applications are under threat as Probation and Welfare Officers start balloting this week on industrial action.

If the action gets the go ahead, Probation Officers may refuse to provide risk assessment reports to the Parole Board, which would prevent the Justice Minister from moving on parole applications.

Paddy O’Dea of the Impact Trade Union says: "The long standing frustration among members is at the Government's failure to implement improvement in the probation service."

According to Mr O’Dea, improvements were recommended in two reports and these reports are now three years standing.

The reports recommend a Statutory Probation Board to be established and the appointment of a Director of Probation Chief Executive Officer.