Misuse of substances a key factor contributing to offending behaviour, says Minister.
Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald has commissioned a review of the drugs and alcohol treatment services available to criminal offenders and people on probation.
Speaking at an event to mark the publication of the annual reports of the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service, Ms Fitzgerald said one of the factors which contributed to offending behaviour was the misuse of drugs and alcohol.
A survey published by the Probation Service in 2012 had found the number of adult offenders on probation supervision who had ever misused drugs and/or alcohol was very high - at 89 per cent.
“We know too well of the devastating impact of the misuse and abuse of alcohol and drugs,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
The review she had commissioned would “set out a pathway for the provision of improved alcohol and addiction services for offenders which will facilitate improved outcomes for them”, she added. Consultation with the HSE, which is the main funder for drug and alcohol services, will form part of the review.
Source: Elaine Edwards, The Irish Times, 19/05/15
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