A total of 103 sex offenders were released from prison last year, and a further 68 are due for release this year, the Minister for Justice told the House.
Mr O'Donoghue added that periods of temporary release or early release were not granted to persons serving sentences for sex offences, save in exceptional circumstances.
Replying to the Fine Gael spokesman on justice, Mr Jim Higgins, he said that the sex offender treatment programme in Arbour Hill, which took 10 to 11 months to complete, could cater for up to 10 offenders at any time. The emphasis was on the offender accepting personal responsibility for the offence and on developing effective relapse prevention strategies.
"The 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."