16th December 2004
198. Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding given to organisations which provide rehabilitative services for offenders or ex-offenders. [34069/04]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): Funding is made available by my Department through the Probation and Welfare Service for a range of facilities and programmes that support the work of the service in the management of persons who are on court-ordered supervision in the community, have been released from custody and where there is capacity for or risk of re-offending. The Probation and Welfare Service supports 73 projects nationally which offer programmes to offenders and those at risk of offending. In 2003 the capital and current funding provided to these projects amounted to €13.9 million. In the current year up to 30 November 2004, the expenditure in this area amounts to €12.79 million.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.