Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the role of an organisation (details supplied); the number of prisoners it caters for; the success rate in rehabilitation to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9829/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The premises in question is a six bed transitional accommodation project for women leaving prison. The project is designed to work primarily with women who would otherwise be homeless at the end of their sentence or while on temporary release. Accommodation is also provided, in limited circumstances, for women offenders in the community, under the supervision of the probation and welfare service.

The project is a limited company owned by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and managed by the De Paul Trust. The De Paul Trust is an established and experienced organisation providing and managing accommodation services for the homeless among other services in Ireland and in the UK. The project is funded by my Department, through the probation and welfare service and has been operational since February 2003.

Since opening, it has provided accommodation and additional services for 30 women who would otherwise have been homeless. The staff of the project have engaged with nearly 70 women in the Dóchas centre, Mountjoy female prison. All residents sign a licence agreement at the start of their time at the project and have a key worker assigned for individualised support and advice. They participate in a group work programme which addresses personal development, skills training and self management. The aim is to assist residents to develop skills for independent living so that they can settle in the community. Staff at the project liaise with Trinity Court drug treatment centre and relevant psychiatric and medical services where appropriate.

During 2004, the first full year in operation, four residents were assisted in resettlement in supported accommodation. One resident achieved a permanent job in a local community project. Two residents were awarded education trust grants for short training courses and eight residents have taken up full time programmes with an educational or pre-employment focus. Almost all women leaving were supported in their move on from the programme.