Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 438: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to resource the probation service to implement community sanctions as an effective sentencing option. [35680/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that Probation Service management prioritises its workload and allocates its resources in such a way as to maximise its efficiency and effectiveness. This prioritisation includes particular focus on the delivery of front-line services and the supervision of Community Service Orders. My Department obtained Department of Finance sanction to recruit 8 Probation Officers and 3 Community Service Supervisors in 2011 having made a case for these front-line posts to be treated as exceptions to the current moratorium on recruitment in the civil and public service. Their recruitment is evidence of the priority attention being given to the important work of the Probation Service generally and the implementation of alternatives to custody such as community service. The allocation of resources will continue to be kept under review.

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 439: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to increase collaboration and partnership between the probation service and the community and voluntary sector in offender assessment and management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35681/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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In 2011, my Department, through the Probation Service allocated funding to 48 Community Based Organisations working primarily with adult offenders engaged with the Probation Service. A further 16 Community Based Organisations who provide services with young persons are in receipt of funding from the Irish Youth Justice Service through the Probation Service.

The provision of Probation Service funding to each organisation is subject to a funding agreement that prioritises and details the services to be provided and which are linked to measurable outputs. In consultation with those community based organisations from the Community and Voluntary Sector, I can advise the Deputy that the Probation Service continues to revise and restructure agreements to provide additional services from within available resources.