Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 168: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the activities that are being undertaken at a centre (details supplied)in County Cork; the numbers and categories of staff at the centre; the number of young offenders passing through the centre on a daily basis; the projected growth within the next five years; if the activities at the facility at Cove Street are being transferred to Patrick's Hill. [46126/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish to inform the Deputy that the premises in question have been used by the Probation Service for over 25 years. It previously operated as a hostel and day centre for young persons under probation supervision in the community, but ceased being used as a hostel a number of years ago. It currently operates under the responsibility of the Young Persons Probation Division (YPP) of the Probation Service. It is used as a base for probation officers working with YPP and for offices of the Le Chéile Mentoring Project, an Irish Youth Justice Service/ YPP funded community programme. The premises are also used a Day Centre training and activities facility for a separate IYJS/YPP funded community programme operated by Ógra Chorcaí.

It is estimated that there would be some 30 young people using the centre on a weekly basis at different times, with less than 10 young people visiting over the full course of the day. These young people who are from Cork city come to the premises, sometimes with their parents, to meet with their probation officer or to attend Day Centre training and activities. However the majority of probation officer/client meetings take place in the client's home. The Le Chéile project does not engage in direct mentoring services on the premises, but it trains mentors who then participate in mentoring services off-site. The total number of personnel operating out of the premises is 16, made up of :-

probation officers (9)

clerical officer (1),

Ógra Chorcaí youth workers (4)

Le Chéile staff (2).

While the numbers using the premises fluctuate according to court referrals, it is not expected to grow substantially above these estimates over the next 5 years. Only the young persons' activities in Cove Street have moved to the premises in question. The Probation Service continues to offer a service to adults in Cove Street.