Joe Costello
Question:204 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, she has for accommodating young offenders in premises at the junction of Kilmainham Road and the South Circular Road, Dublin. [1022/95]
Written Answers. - Accommodation for Young Offenders.
It is my Department's intention to seek through the planning process, permission to erect a hostel to accommodate ex-offenders under the care and management of the Probation and Welfare Service on the Kilmainham/South Circular Road site.
That is in line with measures incorporated in my Department's policy document "The Management of Offenders — A Five Year Plan". They include:
—the development of community based Probation and Welfare facilities to manage offenders on release from custody before the expiry of sentence,
—the development of a formalised aftercare service,
—the provision of an enhanced Probation and Welfare Service to offenders while in custody.
These services are designed to have a positive effect in leading those in custody towards a constructive crime free life in the community on release. The provision of hostel accommodation is seen as a further step in offender aftercare.