Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Apr 1998

Vol. 490 No. 2

Written Answers - Probation and Welfare Service.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

270 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm that, in relation to ongoing concerns on the part of local residents regarding the operation of the probation and welfare office in Finglas, Dublin 11, no sex offenders are referred to this office, that the area round the office is monitored by CCTV and that the office is dealing with clients from the Finglas and surrounding area only; the proposals, if any, there are to open a probation and welfare office in Ballymun, Dublin 11; the proposed timescale in this regard; his views on the suitability of the Finglas location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10115/98]

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

I wish to assure the Deputy that every effort is made by the Probation and Welfare Service so that the operation of the Finglas office will not give rise to concerns for local people. All of the assurances made regarding this operation have been put in place, that is, no sex offenders attend the Finglas office; the office is monitored by CCTV; appointments are not made during school opening and closing times; the office serves clients from Finglas and the surrounding areas.

Since the arrangements listed above were put in place, my Department has received no complaints about any aspect of the operation of the office. I am satisfied it has operated successfully without causing concern and I have no plans to relocate the Finglas office.

With regard to Ballymun, the property market in Ballymun has been explored and no suitable accommodation has yet been found. Both the Office of Public Works and the Probation and Welfare Service are continuing their efforts to obtain a suitable premises for a local office for the Ballymun area. Our requirements have been intimated and detailed to Ballymun Regeneration in an effort to secure accommodation.