David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 791: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of offenders in respect of whom a community service order was made in 2003; the number across each probation and welfare area; the number of males and females in each area; the number and type of offences for which community service orders were imposed; the estimated average weekly cost of each community service order; his further plans in relation to community service orders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2049/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Community Service is a valuable sanction available to the courts as an alternative to imprisonment. It is used mainly in the District Courts, which of course deal with minor offences, but it has been used in a small number of cases in higher courts and is administered by the Probation and Welfare Service.

The aim of Community Service is to re-integrate the offender into the community through positive and demanding unpaid work for between 40 and 240 hours.

I wish to advise the Deputy that I have no further plans in relation to Community Service orders at this time.

The estimated average cost of a Community Service order, based on 2001 figures, which is the most recent figures available, is €1,500. This estimate includes the cost to the Service of staff time associated with supervising an offender (with appropriate overheads) and an estimate of the cost to the Probation and Welfare Service of an offender's participation.

The other statistics requested by the Deputy are set out in tabular form.