THE Goverment is being asked to set up drop-in centres to help
released loyalist and republican prisoners make a fresh start in
Northern Ireland.
Probabation service officials confirmed yesterday that they were
seeking financial backing after approving proposals submitted by freed
ex-paramilitaries and prisoner welfare groups on both sides.
It is planned to locate two centres in Belfast, one each for loyalists
and republicans, staffed by development and administrative officers.
These could be former prisoners with proper professional qualifications
or relevant experience.
The Northern Ireland Office is studying the proposals, which also
involve appointing management committees to run the #5O,OOO-a-year
centres to assist freed men resettle with employment, job training,
welfare advice, and recreational facilities.
Many former prisoners seeking help in Belfast are too terrified to
leave their own areas because of fear of assassination. It is planned to
base the centres in the republican Falls and loyalist Shankill
districts.
Northern Ireland's chief probation officer, Ms Brid Gadd, hoped there
would be a Government decision on the proposals soon.
She said: ''A lot of ex-prisoners are involved in community and youth
projects. They are impressive and they are committed. They show a lot of
skill, dedication, and wisdom.
''Of course there is a thin dividing line between paramilitary
organisations and the type of centres being proposed, but we are fairly
well used to walking that line.
''If there is any trace of paramilitary links then, of course, we will
have to look at it, but I think this is a project which should work very
well.''
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