Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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326. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff employed at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2636/20]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Probation Service is the lead agency in the assessment and management of offenders in our communities. It is committed to working to reduce offending, create safer communities and fewer victims through offender rehabilitation. The Probation Service has a national remit with services delivered locally by staff based in 35 community based offices as well staff based in 12 prisons. 

The Probation Service is administratively divided into five geographic regions. The location referred to by the Deputy is within the Midlands South East region, which covers 8 counties as follows: Kildare, Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, Laois, Offaly, Kilkenny and Tipperary.

I am informed that there are 58 staff employed within the Probation Service in the Midlands South East Region, including Clerical Officers and Community Service Supervisors.  I am further informed that of these, 9 staff members are assigned to the Laois/Offaly team.

Finally, I am assured by the Probation Service that it keeps the distribution of resources under ongoing review, in order to prioritise its workload and maximise the efficient and effective delivery of its services.