Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for attending and Mr. Vivian Geiran for his comprehensive statement. I have two brief questions. The first relates to the potential expansion of the Drug Treatment Court as a model of intervention and giving people another chance. Has Mr. Geiran a view on that? It might be a possible intervention as part of national drugs strategy. Could the Probation Service manage that expansion of that programme throughout country?

My second question relates specifically to work opportunities for people. Do all the agencies of the State co-operate with the Probation Service or does the service have a difficulty in forming those relationships that are required? Is there any intervention from a political perspective that could perhaps come from a senior level within Departments to impose an obligation on different agencies to work with the Probation Service to give people an opportunity and another chance?