Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 118: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals for further development of the probation service; the additional resources, that will be provided for the service, particularly having regard to additional responsibilities arising from the Criminal Justice Act 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36274/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Probation Service has been re-vitalised over the last twelve months and the process of change is continuing apace. I can advise the Deputy that following an open competition a new Director was appointed to the Probation Service in September, 2005. To support the Director and strengthen the management of the Service a new senior management structure for the Service has now been put in place comprising three Deputy Directors and 2 Assistant Deputy Directors. The services of an Accountant have been engaged in recent weeks and further work is ongoing to enhance the IT expertise available to the Service.

The Probation Service Strategy Statement and Work Plan of Strategic Actions 2006-2007, which set out the strategic goals of the Service for the period, was launched by me on the 26 June, 2006. This launch was also used to rebrand the Service.

A Young Persons Probation Division (YPP) has been established within the Probation Service. The YPP Interim Strategy 2006-2007 is due to be launched later this month by my colleague, Mr. Brian Lenihan T.D., Minister for Children.

I can confirm that the Service has received increased resources including 30 additional staff as well as extra financial resources in recent years. The need for additional resources, in the context of the 2006 Criminal Justice Act, will be kept under review.