asked the Minister for Justice if it is the policy of his Department to ensure that prisoners on discharge are rehabilitated; if his Department helps in any way in the provision of employment for ex-prisoners or in re-settling them in any way; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rehabilitation of Prisoners.
10.
I do not accept that it is possible to have a prison system which will ensure that all prisoners are rehabilitated. Rehabilitation is, of course, one of the main objectives of prison policy.
As for the remainder of the question, I would refer the Deputy to my speech on Friday last introducing the Estimate for my Department.
Has the Minister any system whereby any prisoner whatsoever can be rehabilitated?
I said in reply to the question that one of the main objectives of the Department's policy and of prison policy is rehabilitation, and every step is taken, in the short time some of these prisoners are in prison, to work towards that end.
What are the Minister's Department doing as regards rehabilitation?
I have set out in detail in my speech introducing my Estimate what the Department are doing.
Is the Minister aware that many of our prisoners find it impossible to obtain employment? How far is provision made for this and what assistance is given to prisoners to find work?
There is a further question on the subject.