Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 419: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a proposed probation hostel (details supplied) in County Cork; when it is due to open; the proposed staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21025/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Cork Probation Hostel which was established in 1984 was closed in 2004 for major refurbishment. As part of the implementation of the Children Act, 2001, as amended, external consultants were engaged in late 2006 to undertake a review of such residential facilities with a view to meeting the requirements of the Children Act in relation to certain community sanctions, and providing a service which reflects international best standards. This review, which was finalised in January 2007, concluded that service provision in the future should consider co-locating other services on site which could support other community sanctions. The Probation Service (Young Persons Probation) is currently finalising plans to utilise the facility to implement community sanctions under the Children Act, 2001 and will be submitting proposals to the Irish Youth Justice Service of my Department shortly.