Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 2 Oct 1997

Vol. 480 No. 8

Written Answers. - Probation and Welfare Services.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

107 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will implement the commitments given by his predecessor to the management and parents of St. Canice's girls national school, Finglas East, Dublin 11, regarding the operation of the Probation and Welfare office in Finglas village, namely the erection of closed circuit television cameras, no appointments to be made during school starting and finishing times, no sex-offenders to be referred to the office, and that a meeting would take place at the end of August 1997, to review the operation of the service; and if he will make a statement in this regard in order to allay the concerns of local people. [15228/97]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I understand the anxieties of the local community in Finglas regarding this new service for their area. Since last May, the following commitments have been fully implemented: no sex offender placed on supervision to the Probation and Welfare Service attends at the Finglas office; no client appointments are made at or around school opening and closing times; the window which overlooks the school playground has been fitted with frosted glass; and local gardaí have confirmed that the operation of this office and crime trends in the surrounding area will be closely monitored.

In addition, closed circuit television cameras have been installed in the Probation and Welfare Service office in Finglas. The commitment regarding the installation of a CCTV system for Finglas village itself made by my predecessor is being followed up. It is expected that the system will be in place by early 1998.

I have recently carried out a review of the operation of the Finglas office, taking all the factors into account, and consider that the office should remain in operation as at present. I am arranging for senior officials from my Department to attend meetings with management and parents of St. Canice's girls' school so that any problems that arise may be promptly addressed. I hope that this will allay the concerns of local parents and residents. I will write to the various interest groups shortly to explain the position.