Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 521: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on monitoring or collecting information at Departmental level on prisoner re-offending rates in view of the fact that the only information available on this matter in the State appears to be a 2006 study of prisoner re-offending rates of 19,955 prisoners that was carried out by the UCD Institute of Criminology; the number of employment placements for released prisoners through Business in the Community Ireland Gate Service, PACE or any other organisation in 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22164/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Irish Prison Service facilitated a major study of prisoner re-offending by the UCD Institute of Criminology, the findings of which were published in the May 2008 edition of the academic journal, Criminology & Criminal Justice. The recidivism rate was found by this study to be under 50% after 4 years which is in the mid to lower range of recidivism rates when compared to similar countries internationally. The study did not, however, explore the impact of time spent in open centres on recidivism rates.

The Irish Prison Service keeps records of periods in custody for every prisoner which allow calculation of re-imprisonment rates by type of offence, including sex offences. However, these do not allow calculation of a comprehensive rate of re-offending that includes non-custodial sentences. I am pleased to say however that the Probation Service is in the process of conducting initial research into re-convictions and much work is being done to collate the relevant data which will add to our knowledge in this area.

As regards employment placements for released prisoners, I can assure the Deputy that programmes such as those funded through the Business in the Community Ireland (BITC) Gate service and PACE will have my full support in maximising any opportunities available. While we have to make the best use of available resources, I am confident that every effort will continue to be made in the years ahead to facilitate opportunities for employment and of course to assist where possible the re-integration of prisoners into their communities.