Vol. 509 No. 1
69 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason he rejected the main conclusions of the expert review group on the probation and welfare service in relation to the use of prison and the need to avail of alternative sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19684/99]
I have not rejected the main conclusions of the expert review group on the probation and welfare service.
Following Government approval, I published the group's final report on 3 August 1999. At that stage I stated that I would be giving very careful consideration to the report and would, in due course, be bringing proposals on foot of it before Government for decision. This is still my position.
