Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 217: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation regarding the implementation of the strategy for a new look Probation Service outlined by him in his press statement of 26 June 2006 including if a Young Persons Probation Division has been established and an outline of its work thus far and the outcome of the proposed examination of the capacity to make greater use of restorative justice and any steps taken on foot of that examination. [37836/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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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, 3 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.

A Young Persons Probation Division (YPP) has been established within the Probation Service with dedicated staff assigned to Dublin, Cork, Waterford and Limerick. 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. Since its establishment, YPP is delivering on the relevant sections of the Children Act, 2001 already commenced which include, family conferencing, supervision of offenders on Community Service Orders and on Probation Orders. In addition, the YPP team also prepares assessments and reports on young offenders for the Courts. A number of other initiatives are being progressed by the YPP team, these include: a review of the three Probation residences for young male offenders, which is currently under way — I am advised by Management of the Service that this review will be complete by the end of this year; development of programmes to allow for implementation of the Training and Activities Order as provided for under the Children Act, 2001; expansion of the mentoring project to Cork and Waterford; provision of parenting training programmes which will allow for the implementation of the Parental Supervision Order.

Furthermore, I can advise the Deputy that I have approved funding for a Day Centre in Cork. The YPP team are currently arranging recruitment of staff for that centre. I have also approved funding for the development of additional programmes to meet the requirements of the Training and Activities programme Order.

I wish to further advise the Deputy proposals for the establishment of a working group to review restorative justice nationally and internationally were recently received from the Probation Service. The proposals are currently being considered and I hope to be in a position to announce details shortly.