asked the Minister for Justice approximately how many community service orders have been made by courts since the coming into force of the relevant legislation; the approximate cost to the State arising from the supervision of the community service, the subject of these orders; and whether, on his experience of the system up to now, he is satisfied with it.

Limerick East): Up to 31 December 1985, orders for community service were made in 698 cases. The cost to the State of supervising this number of orders was £642,367.

The indications from the first year of operation of the Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act, 1983, which came into effect on 5 December 1984, are that the scheme is proving successful.

Since the scheme, which received the support of both sides of the House, seems to be successful, could the Minister say if there is any limitation on the scheme in terms of cost and if there is sufficient money available for it to expand? Members would like to see the scheme used as widely as possible and I am sure the Minister would also.

(Limerick East): There is no limitation on costs. It is a matter for the courts to decide whether to impose a prison sentence or a community service order and they have to get a report from the community and welfare service. Obviously if there is a very large increase in 1986 in the number of orders imposed by the courts, costs will arise in two areas. First, I will have to examine whether it will be necessary to appoint extra probation and welfare officers and I will also have to examine whether it will be necessary to appoint extra part time supervisors on the sites where the work is being carried out. At present there is no financial barrier but if the need arises I will have to go through the normal procedures of consulting the Department of the Public Service for sanction for new staff. However, at present there are sufficient staff to cope with this scheme.

Since the scheme is going so well, has the Minister considered expanding it to cover areas of imprisonment which give rise to irritation? I am thinking of non-compliance with a court order in relation to a fine and so on. Would the Minister consider expanding the community service orders to cover such an area?

(Limerick East): Question No. 10 deals directly with this and I do not think I should pre-empt the answer to that question by answering now by way of supplementary to this question.

Question No. 10 relates to non-payment of a civil debt and I am talking about the extension of community service orders in another area. However, if the Minister says he will deal with it on Question No. 10 I do not mind waiting.

Is the scheme being availed of on a countrywide basis or is it confined to limited areas?

(Limerick East): The scheme operates in all areas but the majority of orders are made in district courts.

Could the Minister indicate how the part time supervisors are employed? Is it under the social employment schemes or by the Department of Justice? Does the staff embargo affect their employment?

(Limerick East): They are not employed under the social employment scheme, they are paid a fee for the work they do and there is no embargo on staff but obviously general sanction would be required to extend the scheme.