The Probation Service is an agency within the Department of Justice and Equality. The Service works closely with the Courts Service, the Irish Prison Service (IPS), An Garda Síochána, the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS), the Parole Board and many organisations in the community. Our role is to contribute to public safety by:
• The effective assessment and management of offenders
• Challenging offender behaviour
• Facilitating the integration of ex offenders

Many offenders under the management of the Service have complex needs such as alcohol or drug problems, serious mental health difficulties, significant learning disabilities and dysfunctional backgrounds which impact on offending. Cross organisational co-operation and goal sharing with a collaborative approach across a range of agencies facilitates rehabilitation and re-integration into communities. There is a recognised need for a coordinated multi agency approach, while also acknowledging the important contribution that the voluntary and community sectors make.