Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 June 2012
115 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the probation and welfare service will as was previously the case, assist with the work of the district family courts thus ensuring that the views of children are expressed, heard, recorded and put before the court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29885/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Probation Service is the lead agency in the assessment and management of offenders in the community. Their role is to work with offenders to challenge and change their behaviour and make good the harm done by their offending. Historically, the Probation Service did hold a role providing reports to the courts in respect of applications for custody and access. Relevant legislation, such as section 47 of the Family Law Act, 1995 allowed probation officers, as well as persons nominated by the Health Service Executive or any other person specified in the order to prepare social reports in family law proceedings. However the involvement of the Probation Service in family law cases was discontinued due to lack of dedicated resources and for policy reasons. There are no plans to re-establish this service.
