Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

354. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans for community services in County Tipperary that have over 200 clients working with them through probation in Thurles, Clonmel, Cashel and Tipperary town, to provide a bus for the transport of their clients given the effectiveness of their work is currently curtailed due to lack of transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42728/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am advised by the Probation Service that the Tipperary Probation Service team have approximately 66 operational Community Service Orders. A number of sites have re-opened across the county, aligned with Government health guidance, with more to open in the New Year.

Access to site work is addressed as part of both the assessment stage and in the management of the Community Service Order. I am further advised that transport has not delayed the completion of Community Service Orders and where any issues arise, alternatives are identified to facilitate the completion of the Community Service Order.

Service delivery is subject to ongoing review and opportunities to support efficiencies are considered as part of that process, including access and transport to Community Service sites. This is also carried out in the current context of ensuring Government Public Health Guidance is adhered to in relation to COVID 19.

In respect of Community Service provision nationwide, the use of Probation Service fleet vehicles for the transport of Community Service clients is presently on hold – due to control measures implemented in line with Public Health guidance to manage the spread of Covid 19. The use of fleet vehicles will be reviewed in the New Year.