asked the Minister for Justice if he will give details of the recent report on the Probation and Welfare Service published for 1986; if he has any plans to provide for the greater use of Community Service Orders as an alternative to prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Probation and Welfare Service Report.
25.
The extent to which Community Service Orders are made under the Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act, 1983 is entirely a matter for the Courts.
The scheme provides a worthwhile alternative to imprisonment with considerable benefit to the community.
The Act was brought into effect by Order dated 5 December, 1984 and its operation is being monitored by my Department. It is too soon yet to decide whether the scope of the legislation ought to be extended in order to provide for greater use of Community Service Orders.