McDowell to initiate alternatives to custody

A SYSTEM of hostels, halfway houses and support projects for offenders will be set up as an alternative to custody, according to Justice Minister Michael McDowell.

Mr McDowell was speaking yesterday as he presented certificates to offenders who had completed an intensive probation scheme, called the Bridge project.

He said the project, based in Dublin's north inner city, was a model for the type of schemes he wanted to establish. "Bridge is a wonderful success. I believe very, very strongly the money the department spends supporting this service is money well spent indeed.