Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Apr 1992

Vol. 418 No. 7

Written Answers. - Community Service Work Scheme.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

133 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Justice the number of people employed as sessional supervisors under the community service work scheme in the Dublin area; the terms of employment of these workers; if, in view of the wide range of difficult youths and adults that must be supervised by sessional supervisors under the community service work scheme, he will outline the training and health/safety precautions afforded to these supervisors; and the plans, if any he has to institute basic training schemes for such workers.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Flynn)

At present there are 28 sessional supervisors employed in the Dublin area. They are employed on a part-time basis for, on average, 18 hours per week and are remunerated on an hourly basis.

Their duties include assisting probation and welfare officers in ensuring that offenders on community service orders carry out the work involved in a satisfactory manner and giving skilled guidance to offenders.

Sessional supervisors are, on engagement, given instruction as to the nature of the work and the safety precautions necessary. Procedures in the case of an accident are emphasised. My Department's Probation and Welfare Service is currently introducing a basic training scheme for sessional supervisors as part of the overall strategy to meet the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989.