The dedicated sex offenders treatment programme, which is in operation in Arbour Hill Prison since 1994, can cater for up to ten offenders at any one time and takes about 11 months to complete. The fourth running of the programme is under way at present. Ten offenders started and nine of these continue to participate. Thirty offenders participated in previous programmes with 27 completing the treatment.
All convicted sex offenders in custody are invited to apply for participation in the sex offender treatment programme. Participation is entirely voluntary and not all applicants are deemed suitable. Where more than ten suitable offenders apply, priority is given to those nearing the end of their sentence, the others are offered a place on a subsequent programme.