asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons convicted of offences who have been sentenced to community service orders; the number of orders so made; and the range of services those convicted were ordered to carry out.
Written Answers. - Community Service Orders.
164.
Up to 31 May 1986, a total of 1,553 cases were referred by the courts to the probation and welfare service for reports as to the suitability of offenders to carry out community service and the availability of work under the scheme. Of this number, a total of 1,035 community service orders have been made, 240 cases have been rejected and 278 are still being investigated.
A wide range of activities has been undertaken for the benefit of various groups and individuals in the community. The type of work being done under the scheme includes construction work for the physically handicapped, painting and decorating work in hostels for the elderly and assisting in day centres for other disadvantaged people.