The Probation Service has over the past five years made provision for group therapeutic programmes in the community for sex offenders. The programmes involve offenders, assessed as suitable, attending for five hours group work each week over a twelve month period. To date ten such programmes have been completed. The commencing group size is eight participants and there is a relatively high rate of completion. The programme has been developed in a child protection context targeting offenders, whose victims were children. However, the programme is being expanded to also deal with offenders whose victims are adults.

The Irish Prison Service provides programmes for sex offenders in group and individual sessions involving the Prison Psychology Service, the Probation Service and non-state services as appropriate.

Only the Probation Service programmes have a mandatory element.