Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 1997

Vol. 483 No. 6

Written Answers. - Probation Service.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

30 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the terms of reference, if any, of the proposed review of the probation and welfare service; when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21083/97]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

63 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the terms of reference of the group he established to review the probation and welfare service; when this group will present its recommendations to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21229/97]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 63 together.

I recently established a group to examine the probation and welfare service. The group's terms of reference are:

"To examine: (a) the role of the service having regard to recent and current developments; (b) the needs of service, in the context of its proper role, to deliver an effective and efficient service; and (c) the organisational status of the service and to make recommendations and report to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in four months."

The first meeting of the group will take place shortly. I look forward to receiving the group's report which will, I hope, make recommendations which will guide the service into the new millennium.