Vol. 446 No. 3
180 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice, in view of the high rates of recidivism of criminals in Ireland, the plans, if any, she has to improve the probation service and to provide counselling on release and other measures such as job schemes for released prisoners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2186/94]
In the context of the law and order package which I announced last December and my Department's policy document "The Management of Offenders — a Five Year Plan" published last June, there are a number of measures aimed at bringing about improvements in this area. One is the introduction of the concept of positive sentence management which will facilitate a move to planned and programmed releases, where justified and earned, under the supervision of the Probation and Welfare Service. Another is the development of more community sanctions and measures at the court stage. The Government agreed to increase substantially the number of staff in the Probation and Welfare Service for these purposes — a total of 50 additional staff have been approved.
The following measures are also incorporated in the five year plan: the development of community based Probation and Welfare Service facilities to manage offenders on release from custody before the expiry of sentences; the development of a formalised aftercare service; the provision of an enhanced Probation and Welfare Service to offenders while in custody.
The plan also proposes significant improvements in other specialist services for those in custody including medical and psychiatric, welfare, psychology, education, work/training and chaplaincy. Such services are designed not only to preserve the physical and mental well-being of those in custody, but also to have a positive effect in leading them towards a constructive crime-free life in the community on release.
