asked the Minister for Justice the number of probation officers dealing with young offenders between the age of 12 and 16 years; his intentions to increase the number of such officers; and if he will make a comprehensive statement on the role and functions intended for probation officers, in the light of the establishment of Loughan House, County Cavan, as a closed detention centre for young offenders.

The officers who carry out probation work in my Department are welfare officers. At present 45 welfare officers are assigned to probation work and other forms of supervision directed by the courts. Of the total of 1,600 persons being so supervised at present, approximately 330 are under 16 years of age but no welfare officer deals exclusively with persons under that age. Since 1971 the number of welfare officers on this work has increased from six to 45 and a further 18 are now being recruited.

In regard to the last part of the question, the role and functions of the welfare officers assigned to the courts will continue to be

(1) the provision of pre-sentence social inquiry reports as requested by the courts, and

(2) the supervision of those placed on probation or on other forms of supervision by the courts.

The establishment of Loughan House as a special school for offenders between the ages of 12 and 16 years will not have any effect on the role and functions of welfare officers generally but, as I stated previously, two welfare officers will be assigned to Loughan House where they will assist in various ways appropriate to their qualifications and experience, in looking after those committed to the centre.

Would the Minister envisage appointing some of these welfare officers to look after the welfare of inmates of Loughan House when they come out?

I assure the Deputy the services of welfare officers will be available to those who have been in Loughan House after their term there has been completed.

Will they be specifically appointed to look after them or will it be just a case of general guidance?

I could not say they will be specifically designated for that particular type of work but I can assure the Deputy that whatever help or assistance is required will be given and, necessary, if specific personnel have to be appointed for that purpose they will be appointed.

Did the Minister say no welfare officers were specifical appointed to take care of youth between 12 and 16?

I did.

Would he consider appointing a number of such officer with the specific duty of looking after young offenders from the point of view of rehabilitating them?

Of the total 1,600 being supervised approximately 330 are under 16 years of age and perhaps for geographical reasons and because of the cost involved, it might be better to leave it as it is now if the system is working properly. If it is not I will be quite prepared to examine the Deputy's suggestion in an effort improve the services.

In view of the seriousness with which the Minister views young urban offenders would not agree there is now a need to appoint a special corps of welfare officers specifically to this area?

Since 5 July I have increased the number of welfar officers. I am quite prepared to look the Deputy's suggestion to see if some of these officers should be designated for the purpose of looking after those under 16 years of age. If it is necessary I will be prepared to arrange this.