Staff shortages at probation services may delay criminal proceedings

Criminal hearings may experience delays because of staff shortages at the Probation and Welfare Service, it was revealed today.

The Service is understood to have written to the courts recently outlining that it has lost 20% of its staff, who cannot be replaced because of the current embargo on public sector recruitment.

The move is likely to lead to delays before judges are in a position to pass sentence at many criminal hearings. Probation reports for the courts should be ready within six to eight weeks - but now that target can't be reached in some areas.

Speaking at Cork Circuit Criminal Court today, Judge Patrick Moran said he received a letter from the Director of the Probation Service saying that cases now have to be prioritised based on individual circumstances.