Vol. 498 No. 1
330 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of professionals involved in the rehabilitation programme for sex offenders in prisons; the number of offenders taking part in these programmes; and the number who volunteered and are awaiting inclusion on the programme. [26630/98]
There are, at present, 29 full-time professionals and four consultants involved in rehabilitation programmes for sex offenders in prisons. Four of these are working on the dedicated Sex Offender Treatment Programme in Arbour Hill Prison and the remainder are involved in one to one counselling.
All convicted sex offenders who are in custody, irrespective of the institution in which they are accommodated, are invited to apply to participate in the Sex Offender Treatment Programme in Arbour Hill Prison. There were 52 applicants for the present programme all of whom were interviewed and 36 were deemed suitable for participation. There are currently 10 offenders undergoing this programme and the remaining 26 offenders are awaiting inclusion. The places on the next programme are generally allocated to those who are nearest the end of their sentences. The others are offered a place on a subsequent programme.
In addition, 42 offenders are undergoing one to one counselling.
