Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 3

Written Answers. - NESF Report.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

74 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his views on those sections of the NESF report on the re-integration of prisoners for which his Department has responsibility; if it is intended to implement these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6599/02]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I welcome the publication of the NESF report on the reintegration of prisoners into the community. I am very conscious of the difficulties which ex-prisoners can face when returning to the community and I recognise the important part employment and training play in helping ex-prisoners take their place in society.

My Department administers a broad range of employment support services which are designed to assist and encourage the long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged groups, including ex-offenders, to return to work, training or further education.

I was concerned to see that the report indicates that some ex-prisoners are unaware of the comprehensive range of supports which my Department offers. I have asked my Department to immediately pursue the production of a comprehensive information package on prisoners' options on leaving prison with the relevant Departments, Comhairle and voluntary bodies, as recommended in the report.

In addition, as an immediate way of providing information and advice on the range of employment supports available, my Department is liaising with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding the provision of informational literature on the back to work and back to education schemes to prisoners.

These schemes have been highly successful since their introduction some years ago and have encouraged over 100,000 people back into employment or training. As an added help to ex-prisoners, periods spent in prison can be used to facilitate access to these schemes. It is estimated that about ten to 12 ex-prisoners avail of this easy access per annum.

It is also intended that improved and user-friendly information on these programmes will be available in every prison in the country in the near future. My Department will also examine ways of developing more proactive links with prisoners through the nationwide job facilitator network, which is a very important element in the employment support programme and which is there to support and assist those who are experiencing difficulties in gaining a foothold in the workplace.

My Department's existing employment support programmes coupled with a wide range of supports and interventions currently available through other State agencies can provide good support to ex-offenders. My Department will make every effort to ensure that its programmes and services are publicised to those who need them.