James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of incarcerated sex offenders participating in the sex offender rehabilitation programme; the number on waiting lists to avail of the programme; the number of prisoners who have participated in the programme since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27330/07]

P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the low level of participation in the sex offender rehabilitation programme in Irish prisons; the steps he will take to increase participation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27349/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 107 together.

There are three forms of direct therapeutic intervention for sex offenders currently operating within the Irish prison system. These are: Individual counselling from the Irish Prison Service's Psychology Service and from the Probation 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 database for recording interventions with offenders by the Irish Prison Service's Psychology Service is currently being developed and this will allow them to readily report on the number of offenders engaging in such work.

The second intervention which I have specified in my reply is the intensive offence-focused group programme. The programme is managed and delivered by members of the Irish Prison Service's Psychology Service and the Probation Service and caters for eight offenders at a time, taking eleven months to complete. In keeping with international best practice in this area, the programme is a structured, offence-focused programme, employing a cognitive behavioural approach with a relapse prevention component. The aim of the programme is to reduce sexual victimisation in society. In achieving this, the programme places considerable emphasis on the therapeutic process within the group and on supporting each participant in gaining the knowledge, skills, attitudes and self confidence necessary to live his life differently and more constructively in the future. The programme seeks to address the behaviour that leads to offending by all types of sex offenders.

A total of 128 sex offenders have completed the sex offender programme to date. A further eight men are about to begin undertaking the programme in Arbour Hill Prison. There is no waiting list in operation in respect of participation on the programme. The programme is voluntary and the practice is to invite all eligible sex offenders to apply for a place on the programme when a new group programme is being set up. The reasons applicants for the programme might be considered unsuitable include: the applicant's sentence is under appeal, current serious mental health problems would militate against effective participation in the programme, the applicant is not sufficiently prepared for the intensity of the programme, denial of offence, etc.

In addition, a number of offenders undergo one-to-one counselling in relation to their sexual offending. Some individuals engage with the therapeutic services initially to seek assistance in adjusting to imprisonment or to address their mental health needs. Following such interventions, offenders are often more open to looking at their sexual offending and a concentrated period of motivational work is conducted to help them address their offending behaviour and related issues. In response to such counselling many offenders, who initially might deny responsibility for their crime or deny any need for treatment, are motivated towards some process of change. For some offenders this results in them undertaking the Sex Offender Programme, for others it results in sustained individual therapy around their offending or engagement in some other programme available in the prison system.

I am advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that we cannot compel offenders to participate in the programme. While offenders can be supported and encouraged in their efforts to change and to address their offending behaviour, ultimately successful completion of any intervention programme depends on the willing participation and commitment of appropriately motivated individuals. Otherwise, the key elements of the programme concerned with supporting the offender in taking responsibility for his offending behaviour and in developing a comprehensive plan for a non-offending lifestyle in the future will not succeed. The challenge, therefore, for the Irish Prison Service, is to use a range of channels to motivate as many offenders as possible to undertake change and to address their offending behaviour.

The number of suitably motivated offenders applying for participation on the Sex Offenders Programme has declined in recent years and this is a matter of concern. The Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service continually review their processes to determine what measures may be taken to increase the number of offenders participating on the programme. In recent years additional psychologists have been appointed to the Irish Prison Service; the Service's staffing level is currently at an all time high. These new psychologists 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.

There are currently 18 psychologists appointed to the Irish Prison Service. A total of 13 psychologists are based in those establishments holding sex offenders. They provide psychological services, on request, to prisoners, including sex offenders, held in these establishments. The work undertaken with sex offenders covers mental health and/or offence-related issues. An advertisement has also been placed for a psychological assistant to augment services to this group of offenders at Arbour Hill Prison. In addition, the Irish Prison Service is also actively exploring the possibility of enhancing service provision to sex offenders in all institution in the prison estate, in partnership with community based organisations who have expertise in this area.

My Department and the relevant agencies (Irish Prison Service and Probation Service) are continuing our examination of how the treatment and supervision of sex offenders can be enhanced.