Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 1997

Vol. 483 No. 6

Written Answers. - Probation Service.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

100 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the increasing burden of work that is placed on the staff of the probation and welfare service; the action, if any, he has taken to alleviate this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21231/97]

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

I accept that the staff of the probation and welfare service are, at present, overburdened as a result of an increase in the number of cases being referred to the service by the courts.

I am fully committed to the development of a balanced criminal justice system in which the probation and welfare service will have a significant role to play. In this context, I am reviewing the staffing needs of the probation and welfare service and my Department has been in regular contact with the Department of Finance on this matter. However, I am pleased to be able to inform the House that I have secured additional resources in my Department's 1998 allocation for 12 new probation and welfare officers. The Deputy is also aware that I have recently established a group to examine the probation and welfare service. This group will make recommendations which I hope will guide the service into the new millennium.