Sex offenders, in common with other prisoners, have access to a range of medical, psychiatric, psychological and welfare services in the prisons. During a court hearing on 9 October 1992 Council for the State, through a misunderstanding made claims for those services as they affect sex offenders which were overstated. At a court hearing on 14 December, 1992 these claims were quite properly withdrawn.
I endorse the view that one of the primary objectives of the prison system is to provide prisoners with such help, guidance, counselling, education and training as will lead them, as far as practicable, to a constructive life in the community on release. This rehabilitative objective is very difficult to realise in practice, but I believe that we should never cease trying to achieve it.
The objective has particular significance where sex offenders are concerned given the imperative of discouraging repeat offences on release. Experience in other countries suggests that there are no easy means of achieving results with this kind of offender. Nevertheless we must try for the best possible results. Therefore, I have, endorsed the work of a special group in my Department which is carrying out an urgent study of possibilities. The group has been asked to advise whether there may be available a programme or programmes of treatment which will be practicable, deliverable, sustainable, susceptible to proper evaluation at all stages and which will be effective and cost-efficient. I expect to have an initial report from this group within a month or so. I will make a further announcement when I have considered it.
