asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the number of paid probation officers attached to the courts (a) in the Dublin metropolitan area, (b) in the remainder of Éire; and whether, in view of the representations of the Joint Committee of Women's Societies and Social Workers for the appointment of such officers, with special training such as can be obtained in the social science courses in the universities, he will consider the early appointment of additional probation officers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Probation Officers.
Mr. Boland
There are six paid probation officers in the Dublin metropolitan district and none in any other district. The officers in Dublin have the assistance of a large number of organised voluntary workers. The question of increasing the number of paid officers in Dublin is constantly kept under observation; the number has been increased gradually from one (in 1923) to six, and further increases will be made if necessary. Outside Dublin I doubt whether the appointment of full-time, paid probation officers is the best solution. The question was considered very fully in the case of Cork City, and in the result it was decided to avail of the provisions of Section 7 of the Criminal Justice Administration Act, 1914. Under this section, any group of persons interested in the supervision of young persons whilst on probation may form a society and may apply to be recognised officially and, upon being so recognised, they may nominate persons to act as probation officers and may receive financial assistance from the State towards their expenses. I would like to see the same experiment tried in other large towns.