One hundred and three sex offenders were released from prison in 1998 and a further 68 offenders are scheduled for release in 1999. It is the policy that periods of temporary release or early release are not granted to persons serving sentences for sex offences save in the most exceptional circumstances. Sex offenders may be released on full completion of their sentences – allowing for standard remission at 25 per cent – or by order of a court following a review or successful appeal.
The sex offender treatment programme in Arbour Hill Prison can cater for up to ten offenders at any one time and takes ten to 11 months to complete. The emphasis is on the offender accepting personal responsibility for the offence and on developing effective relapse prevention strategies. This programme is not confined to those in custody in Arbour Hill Prison. All convicted sex offenders, irrespective of the institution in which they are accommodated, are invited to apply to participate in the programme. Those who apply are considered by the treatment team but not all are found to be suitable.
While all sex offenders are encouraged to avail of treatment, they cannot be compelled to attend, nor do they receive extra concessions for attending. One to one counselling is also provided by my Department's clinical psychology service and the Probation and Welfare Service. In addition, a new non-therapeutic programme for offenders, The Thinking Skills Training Programme, was introduced in Arbour Hill and Cork prisons during 1998. A significant number of sex offenders have commenced this new programme.
I am keen to increase the number of group treatment places available for sex offenders and, to this end, my Department is examining the possibility of locating a further group treatment programme for ten sex offenders at the Curragh place of detention.
Sex offending is an issue of understandable public concern and one to which a comprehensive response is warranted. While I am determined to expand the prison treatment programme, action will be required on other points also, which is why I had a paper published by my Department last May on sexual offending. That paper covers a number of issues which will have to be addressed as part of the comprehensive response I am pursuing. I am referring here to matters such as the creation of a sex offenders register, to which I am committed, and other legal options. The various responses to the paper, which have been received from the public, have been under consideration in my Department and I hope very soon to begin bringing specific proposals to Government.