Written Answers. - Probation Service.
Ceist:
82
Mr. Hayes
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
if he will outline the operation of the Probation Service in the Dublin 24 area; the number of persons who have opted for community service in this area over the past three years; the projects undertaken and completed; the total funding sanctioned by his Department; if he has satisfied himself with the operation of this service in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[3226/98]
Ceist:
111
Mr. Hayes
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
if he will outline the operation of the probation service in the Dublin 24 area; the number of persons who have opted for community service in this area over the past three years; the projects undertaken and completed; the total funding sanction by his Department; if he is satisfied with the operation of this service in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[3010/98]
I will take Questions Nos. 82 and 111 together.
In recognition of the need to provide a more effective and efficient service, a local office to serve the Dublin 24 area and surrounding areas was opened at West Park, Tallaght, in 1996. It is staffed by a senior probation and welfare officer, four probation and welfare officers, one clerical officer and one sessional supervisor. The service is involved in the supervision of offenders in the area and the preparation of reports for the courts. It also operates the community service order scheme. The service continues to develop very good working relationships with local statutory and voluntary organisations. The Weat Tallaght Probation Project —"Deonach"—is a good example of working together in the community.
The number of persons on community service orders made by the courts in accordance with sections 3 and 4 of the Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act, 1983, in the last three years are as follows: 1995, 51 persons; 1996, 37 persons; 1997, 45 persons.
Persons ordered to do the work are assigned to a variety of projects in the area and surrounding areas. Service personnel endeavour to match individual skills and abilities to the available projects. The following projects were undertaken over the three year period 1995 to 1997: Scoil Carmel, Firhouse, painting; St. Joseph's special school, Tallaght, painting; St. Maelruans graveyard, clearing and tidying; Tallaght Welfare Society, painting building, clearing garden and constructing patio; Old Bawn primary school, painting; Ballyroan school, painting.
In co-operation with the county council and residents associations participants painted estate walls in Jobstown and Killinarden to cover graffiti.
In addition, the following work is ongoing outside the area: Mount Jerome Cemetery, clearing and maintenance; Harold's Cross school, painting and cleaning.
The weekly cost of operating the community service order scheme is approximately £37 per order.
The 1997 budget for the entire Probation and Welfare Service was £12.5 million of which £3.8 million is in respect of grants to organisations and probation projects. The running costs and the cost of the community service order scheme are not apportioned to local offices. The following grants were paid to the West Tallaght Probation Project over the last three years to cover the running costs associated with the project and the cost of capital equipment: 1995, £81,763; 1996, £129,420; and 1997, £104,031.
The project has been advised of an allocation for 1998 of £105,060 towards running costs in 1998.
