Denis Foley
Ceist:70 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to extend the probation and welfare service. [18425/96]
Written Answers. - Probation and Welfare Service.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in July of this year I secured Cabinet approval for the recruitment of ten additional probation officers for a new scheme involving intensive supervision of 100 prisoners, initially, on early release, as part of the Government's anti-crime package. I am also in consultation with the Minister for Finance regarding the staffing requirements of the probation and welfare service, in light of the new demands which will be made upon it arising from the Family Law Act, 1995 and forthcoming divorce legislation.
I have also noted the findings of the Law Reform Commission in its report on sentencing which states that the commission is absolutely satisfied that even the most rudimentary cost benefit analysis would indicate that the probation service should be a primary target for additional resources in the area of sentencing.