Move to expand treatment of sex offenders in prison 'positive'

The reforms come against the background of a significant increase in sex offenders in prison — accounting for almost 15% of all inmates now, compared to 9% in 2007. File picture

Groups fighting to stop sexual violence have welcomed moves in the prison system to significantly expand the treatment of convicted sexual offenders.

The Irish Prison Service wants to ultimately increase the percentage of sex offenders undergoing treatment from about 25% in recent years to as high as 80%.