The staffing complement of my Department's probation and welfare service is not sufficient to enable it to supervise all offenders on temporary release from custody. The service already supervises about 4,300 offenders. The majority of these are on probation type orders — i.e. probation orders, supervision during deferment of sentence, and community service orders — and some are on temporary release. In July 1996, under the anti crime package approved by the Government, I was successful in obtaining approval for ten additional probation and welfare staff to supervise about 120 offenders on temporary release from custody. Recruitment for these posts is ongoing and I understand that all posts will be filled in the near future.
I am satisfied that the expansion of the probation and welfare service would be of considerable benefit to the criminal justice system and indeed to society. I should add, however, that recruitment is subject to public sector restrictions on numbers employed. Offenders who have completed their sentences cannot be compelled to accept supervision from the probation and welfare services. The probation and welfare service has, however by tradition, offered voluntary support and guidance to offenders who seek it on release from custody.
With regard to the Deputy's question about the merit of the USA probation model, I am aware that there are a variety of models in operation in the USA. I am not sure which model the Deputy has in mind but if he supplies me with details of the particular model that he finds attractive I will certainly have it examined by my Department.
