Bernard Allen
Question:70 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons convicted of child abuse nationally in each of the years 1991 to 1993; and the number of these persons who were convicted in Cork city and county.
Written Answers. - Child Abuse.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is no single crime category of "child abuse". However, figures for the number of convictions in respect of relevant categories of crime for the years 1991 and 1992 are set out in the following tabular statement. Figures for 1993 are not yet available.
|
1991 |
1992 |
|||
|
National |
Cork City and County |
National |
Cork City County |
|
|
Incest |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cruelty to or neglect of children |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Abandoning children under two years |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Assault, wounding and other like offences (misdemeanours) |
4 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
Wounding and other acts endangering life (fellonies) |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sexual assault |
47 |
5 |
48 |
4 |
|
Aggravated Sexual Assault |
0 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
Note: Figures relate to cases where the injured party is under 15 years of age.
Bernard Allen
Question:71 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to appoint psychiatrists to deal with the rehabilitation of child abusers in view of the percentage of abusers who reabuse.
My responsibilities in relation to treatment for sex offenders are confined to such persons given custodial sentences.
I share the Deputy's concerns about the potential for recidivism by sex offenders and have made arrangements to put in place a formal, structured treatment programme for them. This will be based on the group therapy approach which is internationally recognised as being the most effective in helping offenders to come to terms with their behaviour and discouraging repeat offences after release.
This programme is expected to commence in Arbour Hill Prison during June 1994. It will be delivered by teams comprised of clinical psychologists and probation and welfare officers. It will be based on voluntary participation by offenders and will be open to those who have been convicted of child sexual abuse. Selection of offenders nearing release will be the first priority.