Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 327: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the number of sex offence prisoners receiving therapy has decreased; and the reason he closed the major unit at the Curragh. [22417/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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There are three forms of direct therapeutic intervention for sex offenders currently operating within the Irish prison system. These are as follows: individual counselling from the Irish Prison Service's Psychology Service and from the Probation and Welfare Service; the Sex Offender Programme which has been in operation since 1994; and one-to-one interventions by visiting psychiatrists who provide support to prisoners.

Every effort is made to assist sex offenders in custody who are willing to participate at any level in their personal rehabilitation and relapse prevention. While it is not possible to quantify with absolute accuracy participation in all forms of rehabilitation, many of those in custody for sex offences have availed of one or more of the forms of intervention referred to above.

A total of 122 sex offenders have completed the Sex Offender Programme to date. This figure includes eight men who have recently completed the programme in Arbour Hill Prison. It is envisaged that another programme will commence in Arbour Hill Prison in Autumn 2006.

The number of suitably motivated offenders applying for participation on the Sex Offenders Programme has, however, declined in recent years and this is a matter of concern. The Irish Prison Service are currently examining this situation to determine what measures may be taken to increase the number of offenders participating on the programme. A number of additional psychologists have recently been appointed to the Irish Prison Service. These new psychologists will play an important role in working with offenders to address their offending behaviour, including work with sex offenders aimed at enhancing their preparedness for possible participation on the Sex Offender Programme.

As I have indicated to this House on a number of previous occasions, the permanent closure of The Curragh Place of Detention arose in the context of the implementation of the change agenda aimed at eliminating overtime payments and reducing other costs in the Irish Prison Service.