3,400 ex-offenders get into work and training

MORE than 3,400 ex-offenders have managed to gain employment, education and training as part of a nationwide support programme aimed at helping those with criminal records.

The Probation Service-funded initiative has seen former offenders gain work in the construction sector, the service industry, hotel and catering, and retail, as well as in transport.

Director of the service Michael Donnellan said yesterday he would persist to keep services at optimal levels, despite cutbacks by the Government because of the economic crisis.