Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)
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I have raised this issue on the Adjournment before and wish to know what advances have been made since the last occasion. The probation and welfare service, of which I am very supportive, is committed to locating a facility in Blanchardstown. I welcome this step in so far as it is always the best policy to bring services closer to people. However, there are concerns about where the facility is to be located. The probation and welfare service has bought a building previously used by the AIB on Main Street, Blanchardstown, which is adjacent to a residential estate. The residents of that estate and some elderly people living in houses beside the old bank have significant concerns regarding the location of the facility.

Following a number of public meetings some months ago with all the public representatives, it was agreed by Government public representatives that other more suitable locations in the vicinity would be considered. For example, many social services are already provided in the town centre, where some vacant offices were identified and about which the Minister was notified. I expect at this stage that a full evaluation has been made of alternative sites in the town centre where all the services are provided and which is well served by public transport. I hope the Minister of State, Deputy Callely, has identified a more suitable premises in the vicinity of Blanchardstown centre, which would allow the old AIB bank to be sold, most likely at a substantial profit and with no loss to the taxpayer. I hope the Minister of State and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, have taken note of the concerns expressed by local people and that the right action will be taken. Blanchardstown village has been downgraded over the past number of years since the town centre was built. I am concerned that social services will only be available on the main street of the village, which does not provide any business life. The concerns expressed by residents are real concerns and the appropriate location is the town centre.

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I thank Senator Terry for the opportunity to respond on this issue and I welcome her supportive comments regarding the localisation of the offices of the probation and welfare service, which is a nationwide move by the Department.

The mission statement of the probation and welfare service is to foster public safety and 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 in order to reduce and/or eliminate offending. Local service delivery enhances the chances of co-operation from offenders and facilitates contact between service staff, the families of the offenders and the staff of health boards and other agencies which are locally based.

Currently, the only District Court team working from the probation and welfare service headquarters in Smithfield is the team that covers Dublin 7 and Dublin 15. The location of the team in Smithfield can place considerable financial expense and travel time on both the client and service staff in keeping appointments. All other Dublin District Court teams have been localised. I am pleased they have been successful in localising the 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 gardaí about the behaviour of those attending a local office.

Premises at Main Street, Blanchardstown, were acquired by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the probation and welfare service on 15 April 2002. The total purchase cost was €1.5 million. Provision of a probation centre fulfils one of the commitments agreed under the national development plan. Contrary to what Senator Terry said, 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.

Before proceeding with the refurbishment project in Main Street, Blanchardstown, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has requested the Office of Public Works to identify, if possible, a more suitable alternative in the Blanchardstown area. Towards this end, the OPW has viewed a number of alternative premises and sites. However, none of those viewed to date has been deemed more suitable by the probation and welfare service.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform accepts there is considerable urgency attaching to the development of a probation and welfare service centre in the Blanchardstown area. The service will try to provide that centre as quickly as possible.