‘Life training’ to deter people from criminality

AN initiative that promises to free up prison spaces and court time, reduce re-offending and rehabilitate people will be presented to a range of interested parties in the Dáil today.

A Cork-based private company is hoping to convince gardaí, policy makers and politicians that its proven model of “life training” for people with anger, addiction and stress issues is a viable way of diverting people from criminality.

Calling itself a social enterprise, Etruscan has the backing of a high-profile advisory board that includes social justice campaigner Fr Peter McVerry, retired Chief Superintendent Sean O’Halloran and Irish Prison Governor Ronan Maher.

Operations manager Colum Kelly said anger is a wide-reaching problem in Irish society and that day after day, anger and addiction-related issues fill the courts.

Mr Kelly said Etruscan should be viewed as an early intervention mechanism whereby people can be diverted away from the courts system and, at the same time, be made to face what they have done in a more constructive way.

As well as tackling anger, addiction and stress issues, another major issue the organisation hopes to tackle is drink and drug-driving.

The course makes the person look at the consequences of driving while under the influence and on the effect the wider community in general.

Mr Kelly said solicitors were already making referrals to them, but he said people could be referred from all walks of life, whether it be through GPs, gardaí, judges, health professionals or even family and friends.

Part of the punishment is that criminal has to pay for the course, which can cost upwards of €500.

Etruscan chairman Dermot Kelly said it should not be seen as an alternative to prison but as a way of catching people early and dealing with their issues.

The organisation has estimated that offences going through the system take up about 20 man hours, taking into account garda time, court time and impact on the victim.

Mr Kelly said Etruscan’s work could save thousands of man hours if people are diverted to the courses, which are carried out by highly qualified professionals.