asked the Minister for Justice if his Department provides an after-care service for needy exprisoners; and, if so, if he will explain its terms of reference and the extent of its operation in relation to each of the State's ten prisons; and, if not, if he has any plans to provide such a service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prisoner After Care Service.
20.
A proposal which would envisage the compulsory application of control, be it called after-care or otherwise, on persons who have completed their sentences would raise very serious issues. On the other hand, the vast majority of persons in custody are seen by a welfare officer shortly before release and are offered voluntary after-care. About 10 per cent accept the offer.
Some are offered accommodation in hostels, which receive financial assistance from my Department. These are Priorswood House, Coolock, which is operated by PACE—Prisoners Aid through Community Effort—the Dublin Central Mission, which is run by a church committee; Sarsfield House, Ballyfermot, which is operated by the Sons of Divine Providence; and Argus House, Cork, Los Angeles Hostel and Sherrard House, Dublin, which are managed by voluntary groups with whom the welfare service maintains a close liaison. Two further hostels, which will also get financial assistance, are being provided in Waterford and Limerick.
For those not accommodated in hostels, an after-care service is available from the local office of the welfare service. This includes general counselling, advice on family matters including marital difficulties, referral to appropriate agencies, both statutory and voluntary, in relation to financial problems, and assistance towards the obtaining of employment or of training for employment.