The Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 1996

3.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, a probation order may require the offender during the probation period to attend at a day centre specified in the order.

(2) A court shall not include such a requirement in a probation order unless—

(a) it has consulted a probation officer; and

(b) it is satisfied—

(i) that arrangements can be made for the offender’s attendance at a centre; and

(ii) that the person in charge of the centre consents to the inclusion of the requirement.

(3) A requirement under sub-paragraph (1) shall operate to require the offender—

(a) in accordance with instructions given by the probation officer responsible for his supervision, to attend on not more than 60 days at the centre specified in the order; and

(b) while attending there to comply with instructions given by, or under the authority of, the person in charge of the centre.

(4) Instructions given by a probation officer under sub-paragraph (3) shall, so far as is practicable, be such as to avoid any interference with the times, if any, at which the offender normally works or attends a school or other educational establishment.

(5) References in this paragraph to attendance at a day centre include references to attendance elsewhere than at the centre for the purpose of participating in activities in accordance with instructions given by, or under the authority of, the person in charge of the centre.

(6) In this paragraph “day centre” means premises—

(a) at which non-residential facilities are provided for use in connection with the rehabilitation of offenders; and

(b) which—

(i) are provided by the Probation Board; or

(ii) are for the time being approved by the Probation Board as providing facilities suitable for persons subject to probation orders.