Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Oct 1993

Vol. 434 No. 6

Written Answers. - Offenders Hostels/Workshops.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

44 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice if she will give details of the various workshops and hostels for offenders funded by her Department; and the plans, if any, that exist to expand the range of such workshops and hostels.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

My Department's policy is to try and develop probation as a viable alternative to imprisonment. Towards this end, a number of hostels and workshops have been established in various parts of the country for offenders on probation and on temporary release from custody.

There are five hostels operated in conjunction with my Department's Probation and Welfare Service who provide accommodation, support and facilities to offenders in the Dublin, Waterford and Cork regions.

Side-by-side with the hostels the Probation and Welfare Service also provide day-training facilities to meet the special work and training needs of offenders. There are five workshops directly established under the aegis of the Probation and Welfare Service. In addition, financial assistance is provided to a number of workshops and hostels who accept referrals of offenders.

Part of the review of the penal system being currently undertaken will include consideration of the development of these types of facilities. Without preempting the results of that review, I can say that a number of projects are in planning and appropriate consultation will take place as they develop.