Vol. 469 No. 5
176 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice her views on whether all convicted sex offenders should receive counselling and rehabilitation prior to discharge from detention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17630/96]
All offenders convicted of sex offences have access to a wide range of rehabilitative services, including counselling, while imprisoned. All such offenders are, in addition, invited to apply for a place on the treatment programme which is currently in place at Arbour Hill Prison. This programme is psychotherapeutic in nature and is directed at the rehabilitation of sex offenders. All treatment options are, of course, voluntary in nature and, as such, the take-up rate is dependent on the willingness of individual offenders to use the available services.
