Vol. 543 No. 1
12 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether it is acceptable that there are no treatment centres for people who are paedophiles and those with paedophile tendencies; his further views on whether a service should be introduced in each health board area to treat people with such tendencies to counsel them in methods of controlling paedophile urges and the avoidance of places where there are children. [25383/01]
Health boards are in a position to offer appropriate counselling and support services to persons who are paedophiles and those with paedophile tendencies who are referred to them for treatment and who are identified as being in need of such services. The provision of these services is a matter in the first instance for each health board, having regard to the needs in individual cases.
The successful completion of any treatment course depends critically on the full and willing participation of self-motivated individuals. Otherwise, the key elements of the programme concerned with challenging the individuals to take responsibility for their behaviour will not suc ceed. The establishment of specialist treatment centres for paedophiles is not favoured at present as it could result in their being stigmatised and thus less likely to come forward for, or complete, a course of treatment.
I am informed by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform that every effort is made to assist sex offenders in custody who are willing to participate in their personal rehabilitation and relapse prevention. There are four forms of direct therapeutic intervention available to sex offenders within the Irish prison system at present. All four are aimed at enabling such offenders gain some measure of control over their personal tendencies towards offending behaviour. While it is not possible to accurately quantify participation in all forms of rehabilitation, many of those in custody have availed of one or more of the forms of intervention.
The Minister is missing my point. In fairness to him, he is adopting the customary approach which examines the criminal aspect of the matter. Acting out an urge is a criminal act whereas I am concerned with people who have identified tendencies within themselves but have not committed any crime or abuse and who want to have a facility dedicated to their needs.
Does the Minister agree that there is no dedicated facility for people who have such tendencies? The Minister is probably aware that people can obtain treatment privately at about £50 a consultation. Does he agree that those who cannot afford it – those on medical cards – should also have the right to a facility? Those with paedophile tendencies need specialised treatment which is not generally available in the psychiatric field. Psychiatrists have told me that it is a very specialised form of treatment.
The question related to both paedophiles and those with paedophile tendencies. I am advised that the health boards are in a position to offer appropriate counselling and support services to such people. All those referred to services receive a full evaluation and services are provided according to individual needs. Some health boards are in a position to meet these service requests from within their own counselling complement. In other health board areas, persons are referred to private or voluntary agencies. I have been advised that it is not appropriate to identify the organisations or the personnel involved in the delivery of those services.
Does the Minister agree that his Department should be more proactive in informing people of the availability of paedophile treatment services? It seems to be the domain of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in that it relates to crime. However, the condition itself is visited upon people against their wishes. Many want to control the tendencies and want advice and counselling.
I have articulated in the reply that the idea of setting up a specially designated service is not one that has found favour so far with those in the health boards or the relevant professions on the grounds that it could lead to stigmatisation and, perhaps, a reluctance to participate as a result. Obviously there is a difference of opinion in that regard.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
