Written answers

Wednesday, 17 May 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Community Service Orders

9:00 pm

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 259: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community service orders which have been implemented in the Dublin metropolitan area over the past five years; the classification of the orders in terms of the type of community work provided for; and if he has satisfied himself that the potential of this form of penalty is being fully utilised in appropriate cases. [18742/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act, 1983 provides for the performance of unpaid work in the community by a person who is 16 years or over, who has been convicted of an offence, for which the appropriate penalty would be an immediate custodial sentence and who has given his/her consent to the Court. The information sought by the Deputy, regarding the number of Community Service Orders which have been implemented over the past 5 years, is set out in tabular form below. Community Service Orders for the period 2001-2005:

Year Male Female Total
2001 234 19 253
2002 252 30 282
2003 293 32 325
2004 405 45 450
2005 547 48 595

Community Service operates in communities with group projects, where a group of offenders or an individual, works with a supervisor, undertaking work for the community. The range of work generally carried out by those on community service, includes painting, decorating, landscaping, clearing/maintenance of community facilities (indoor and outdoor) restoration or enhancement of existing facilities such as community centres, youth clubs, grass cutting and cleaning graveyards.

Under the current legislation, Community Service can only be imposed on an individual if the alternative is a custodial sentence. In addition, the individual must consent to the Order. In that respect, I am satisfied that the maximum benefit of community service to local communities is achieved. However, while I have no plans to amend the legislation in the immediate future, the current legislation will, like all my Department's legislation, be kept under review.

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