Vol. 481 No. 7
14 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of sex offenders currently in jail; the number currently undergoing treatment programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17055/97]
There were a total of 276 sex offenders in prisons and places of detention on 16 October 1997. Of these, 247 were sentenced offenders and 29 were on remand or awaiting trial. There are currently two forms of therapeutic intervention available to sex offenders within the prison system, both aimed at enabling such offenders gain some measure of control over their offending behaviour. The first is individual counselling by the Department's clinical psychology service and the probation and welfare service. This is available in all prisons, with the exception of the Curragh where it will be available shortly. The second is an intensive offence-focused group work programme available only in Arbour Hill prison. Both forms of treatment are voluntary; offenders are encouraged to avail of the services but they are neither compelled to attend nor do they receive extra concessions for attending.
The dedicated treatment in Arbour Hill caters for up to ten offenders at one time and takes ten to 11 months to complete. The emphasis is on accepting personal responsibility for the offence and developing effective relapse prevention strategies for each offender. All convicted sex offenders who are in custody are invited to apply to participate. All those who apply are considered by the treatment team but not all are deemed suitable. Where more than ten suitable offenders apply, preference is given to those nearing the end of their sentences and the others are offered a place on a subsequent programme.
(Mayo): Given the overall number of 276 sex offenders, that only ten are receiving treatment is negligible. What research has been carried out to monitor the effectiveness of the programmes? What is the rate of reoffending? From the point of view of selling the programmes to the prisoners in question, what steps are taken to encourage as many as possible to undertake the programmes?
In the context of the total number of offenders, ten seems to be a small number in receipt of treatment, but the fourth phase of the sex offender treatment programme is under way at present. Ten offenders started the present programme and nine of those have continued to participate. In previous programmes 30 offenders participated, with 27 completing the programmes. One of the important aspects is that the programme is voluntary. Those of us involved in such matters will understand that people cannot be forced to undertake this type of treatment. It must be approached with openness to ensure it is a success, and it will succeed if people are genuinely committed to it.
As regards the success rate of the treatment programme, it is important that people become involved in the programme so that it is a success. It is difficult to say how effective is the programme. Expert advice is that psychometric assessments carried out pre-treatment and post-treatment confirm a significant reduction in the offenders' cognitive distortions. Cognitive distortions can be explained as pro-offending beliefs and attitudes that serve to maintain offending behaviour. We are advised there has been a significant increase in the acceptance of personal responsibility for what happens in their lives. In terms of success, it comes down to participation by the individual in the programme and how much he co-operates with it. Those involved in running the programme can only do so much, the person only gets from it what he puts into it.
(Mayo): I accept what the Minister has said. Will she accept we have had a huge increase in the number of convictions for sexual offences? Out of the 276 sex offenders, only ten received treatment, therefore, there are 266 people in prison who did not receive treatment. We have had a huge influx and soon there will be a huge exodus. Does the Minister realise when these people are released from prison, are shunned by their families and society, have no jobs and a propensity to re-offend if they have not received treatment, we will have a chaotic problem? Will she accept this prospect must be addressed urgently in terms of treatment?
Participation by offenders in the programme is voluntary. Experience over the past three years indicates that only 15 per cent to 20 per cent of imprisoned sex offenders are sufficiently motivated to apply for a place on the programme. All those who apply are deemed suitable for participation and are accommodated. Up to ten sex offenders successfully complete the dedicated programme each year. Approximately 60 offenders, some of whom would have served short sentences are released on completion of their sentence each year. This is not an unreasonable proportion, bearing in mind that it is a voluntary programme with a rigorous selection process. Certainly those who apply for the programme and are committed to it will get a place. It is important to ensure that treatment is available to those who are willing to avail of it. Offenders who have completed their sentences cannot be compelled to accept supervision from the probation and welfare services or to take part in any specific programme. It is important to recognise the probation and welfare service has a tradition where it offers voluntary support and guidance to offenders who seek it on release from custody. Attempts have been made to link some sex offenders who have completed the Arbour Hill programme with community based agencies on a voluntary basis on completion of their prison sentences. These attempts have been unsuccessful even with the best motivated offenders, due to the voluntary nature of the attendance. However a small number of offenders who have completed the Arbour Hill programme are under mandatory supervision by the probation and welfare service on foot of court orders, which included one year periods at the end of their sentences being suspended under these conditions. These are progressing satisfactorily and it is worth noting that they have been a success.
