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Probation and Welfare Service.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 May 2004

Thursday, 6 May 2004

Questions (188)

Phil Hogan

Question:

188 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the establishment of a probation office at Donaghmede shopping centre, Dublin; his views on whether this location is an appropriate place for such a centre; the amount of rent being provided for the provision of this centre; when the contract for such a facility was in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13127/04]

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Written answers

The mission statement of the probation and welfare service is to foster public safety and promote the common good by reducing the level of re-offending and this is achieved through the management of offenders on supervision orders from the courts in their local and-or immediate surrounding areas. The service aims to reduce victimisation of members of local communities by developing positive relationships with offenders in order to reduce and-or eliminate offending. Local service delivery enhances the chances of co-operation from offenders and facilitates contact between the service staff, the families of the offenders and the staff of health boards and other agencies which are locally based.

It should be noted that in the Dublin area, the probation and welfare service has been successful in localising its offices in Dun Laoghaire, Ballyfermot, Tallaght, Finglas, Crumlin and Clondalkin. No complaint has been received to date from any member of the public, nor has any complaint been brought to the attention of any officer of the service by the gardaí about the behaviour of those attending a local office.

Regarding the location of the Donaghmede probation and welfare office in the Donaghmede shopping centre, I wish to advise the Deputy that I consider the location of the office appropriate. Clients of the service are not stigmatised when attending the office for appointment as they could be visiting any one of a number of public services available in the shopping centre such as the library, post office, doctor's clinic, solicitors office, etc.

The annual rent for the premises referred to by the Deputy at Donaghmede Shopping Centre is €152,368.57. The lease for this premises commenced on 1 June 2000.

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