Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

The probation and welfare service nationwide has moved towards localisation of its offices during the past number of years.

The mission statement of the probation and welfare service is to foster public safety and to promote the common good by reducing the level of re-offending. This is achieved through the management of offenders on supervision orders from the courts in their local and/or immediate surrounding areas. The service aims to reduce victimisation of members of local communities by developing positive relationships with offenders to reduce and/or eliminate offending. Local service delivery enhances the chances of co-operation from offenders and facilitates contact between the service staff, families of the offenders and staff of health boards and other locally-based agencies.

Currently, the only District Court team working from the probation and welfare service headquarters in Smithfield is the team covering Dublin 7 and 15. The location of the team in Smithfield can place considerable financial expense and travel time on the client and service staff in keeping appointments. All other Dublin District Court teams have been localised. It should be noted that in Dublin, the probation and welfare service has been successful in localising its offices in Dún Laoghaire, Ballyfermot, Tallaght, Finglas, Crumlin and Clondalkin. No complaint has been received to date from any member of the public, nor has any complaint been brought to the attention of any officer of the service by the Garda regarding the behaviour of those attending a local office.

The premises referred to by the Deputy at Main Street, Blanchardstown, was acquired on 15 April 2002 by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the probation and welfare service. The total cost of the purchase, as stated by the Deputy, was €1.5 million, including VAT. Provision of a probation centre fulfils one of the commitments agreed under the national development plan. The development is taking place after much discussion with groups in the local community. Officers of the service have met with the local authority, the local chamber of commerce and residents to share with them the proposed plans. The Office of Public Works has met with local neighbours and has taken on board their views in regard to the development. The architect has also taken considerable time to provide a building that is in harmony with the surroundings and that brings minimum change to the street vista. The fit out will be to the highest standards.

The overall project budget is in the region of €2.9 million.

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