Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Probation and Welfare Service.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

750 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the decision, if any, he has made to exclude operational staff of the probation service from participation in the review group for the probation and welfare service; if so, the basis for this decision; and if he will reconsider that decision in view of the experience and knowledge which the operational staff could bring to this review. [1216/98]

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

As in the case of other groups established in recent times to look into the operations of organisations like the Garda Síochána, the courts and the prisons, I have endeavoured to constitute the group in such a way as to achieve a fair and objective assessment of the operation of the probation and welfare service. As regards providing operational information to this group, the principal probation and welfare officer, who has been a member of the service for over 30 years, is a member of the group and is in a position to provide detailed operational information to the group.

Furthermore, senior officials from my Department recently met members from the probation and welfare service branch of IMPACT in relation to the above matter. At that meeting the following points were made by Department officials: that the review group would welcome a submission from IMPACT and has agreed to extend the closing date for submissions in IMPACT's case; that the Minister would make contact with the chairperson of the review group to suggest that the group might have further meetings with IMPACT before finalising the group's report; and that there is an absolute commitment on the Department's part to direct discussions with IMPACT on any of the group's recommendations following the publication of the group's report.

I have been in contact with the chairperson of the review group and I am confident that IMPACT will be given every opportunity to present their views to the group.