Vol. 452 No. 7
72 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to review the operation of the sex offenders treatment programme in Arbour Hill Prison in view of the fact that, to date, just nine offenders have been treated at a cost of £250,000. [8538/95]
This is a very sophisticated treatment programme based on the cognitive behavioural model in wide use in Canada and USA. It is being adapted to suit conditions here by a team of psychologists and social workers. A programme of this kind requires extensive preparation, intensive training and adequate testing and evaluation to ensure that it can achieve its objective. It is costly in terms of staff input but this will pay off in due course when the treatment programme has been perfected. There are nine offenders participating in the programme at present and a further ten offenders will be commencing the programme in a matter of weeks.
