Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 6

Written Answers. - Probation and Welfare Service.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

164 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total cost, including fees, of the acquisition of premises (details supplied) at Main Street, Blanchardstown on behalf of the probation and welfare services of his Department; the date of the acquisition of the premises; the size of the premises; the estimated cost of the refurbishment of the building as a probation and welfare service office; the expected opening date of the offices in Blanchardstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25292/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The premises referred to by the Deputy at Main Street, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, was acquired by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the probation and welfare service on 15 April 2002. The total cost of the purchase was €1.5 million, including VAT.

The property, which is divided into two units, extends to approximately 480.93 square metres. It requires some major alterations and extension to utilise the full potential of the premises. The Office of Public Works have estimated the cost of refurbishment and extension of the building to be €1.5 million and the expected opening date will be summer 2004.

The probation and welfare service, nationwide, has been implementing a policy of localisation of its offices over the past number of years. Local service delivery enhances the chances of cooperation from offenders who are residing in the locality and the surrounding areas as well as facilitating contact between probation and welfare service staff, the families of offenders and the staff of health boards and other agencies which are also locally based.