Written Answers. - Probation and Welfare Offices.
Noel Ahern
Question:
132
Mr. N. Ahern
asked the
Minister for Justice
if she will give details of the policy to open offices of the probation and welfare service in the suburbs; the offices currently open; the offices planned; if her attention has been drawn to objections from residents, shops and nearby schools in relation to the newly opened Finglas office, Dublin 11; her views on whether it is appropriately placed; the area it will serve; the number of callers per week who will attend; if she will find a better location for it or confine its use to offenders from Finglas only; and if she will make a statement on the matter in view of local concerns and objections.
[7125/97]
The establishment of local offices for the probation and welfare service is in keeping with my Department's policy as set down in the policy document "The Management of Offenders — A Five Year Plan" which was published in June 1994. It is also in keeping with my Department's probation and welfare service's strategic management initiative which aims to improve customer service by developing a number of local offices. The service has 23 offices nationwide and a list of locations follows. New offices and a day centre for the probation and welfare service are under construction in North Clondalkin, Dublin. It is intended to provide local offices in Ballyfermot, Coolock, Swords, north and south inner city at some future stage. No premises have been indentified at this stage.
The normal procedures for the acquisition of Government offices are followed in the case of offices for the probation and welfare service. The new premises at Finglas, Dublin 11, was assigned to my Department by the Office of Public Works. Permission was granted on 26 July 1994, by Dublin Corporation Planning Department for a change of use of the premises from recreational use to Government offices to which the public will have access. My Department's probation and welfare service considers the premises to be suited to their needs.
The premises caters for clients from Finglas, Ballymun and immediate surrounding areas. It also provides space for group meetings and activities. Clients of the service will visit the office as required and officers based there will also visit clients in their homes. It is difficult to give precise figures regarding attendance at this stage since the office is only open a short while. However, based on the experience of other local offices an average of ten to 12 persons on supervision attend each day by appointment. Other callers to the office include the clients' partners, parents, solicitors or community groups attending meetings or seeking advice.
I am aware that some local residents have concerns about the new premises. I assure the Deputy that every effort has been made to ensure that this new accommodation will be properly managed by the probation and welfare service personnel and every effort will be made to ensure that it will not have any negative impact on local business or residents in the surrounding areas. I understand that probation and welfare service management has already been in discussion with some local interests to reassure them in this matter. My Department's probation and welfare service has operated very successfully in other suburban areas, developing good links with the local communities. However, if there are any concerns regarding the operation of the new offices in Finglas, my Department's officials will investigate them.
Probation and Welfare Service Offices.
1. Smithfield Chambers, Dublin 7.
2. West Park, Tallaght, Dublin 24.
3. Clonard Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12.
4. Poppintree Mall, Finglas, Dublin 11.
5. Foundation House, 12 Northumberland Avenue, Dún Laoghaire.
6. Government Buildings, Kells Road, Navan, County Meath.
7. 3 Earl Street, Dundalk, County Louth.
8. 36 Connaught Street, Athlone, County Westmeath.
9. 64 Dominic Street, Galway.
10. De La Salle Arcade, Castlebar, County Mayo.
11. New Government Buildings, Cranmore Road, Sligo.
12. Railway Street, Portlaoise, County Laois.
13. Roxborough House, Roxborough Road, Limerick.
14. 54 South Mall, Cork.
15. Grattan House, Cork.
16. 3 Catherine Street, Waterford.
17. 7 Ashe Street, Tralee, County Kerry.
18. ACC House, George's Street, Wexford.
19. 8 O'Connell Street, Clonmel, County Tipperary.
20. Hebron Road, Kilkenny.
Serving offenders in custody
1. Mountjoy Prison, Dublin 7.
2. St. Patrick's Institution, Dublin 7.
3. Wheatfield Place of Detention, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.
