THE Prison Service is in a drive to recruit two psychologists so that offenders can undergo rehabilitation programmes.

But Prisons Commissioner Brian Payling insists that there is no risk of dangerous sex offenders being released back into the community without first undergoing counselling ? despite the fact that the treatment programme is understaffed.

There is currently just one psychologist working at Westgate Correctional Facility, who is responsible for running a raft of rehabilitation programmes for both drug and sex offenders. But Mr. Payling said that the department is prioritising cases with those that need counselling most going to the front of the queue.

He is optimistic that two more psychologists will be hired from overseas shortly ? one to deal specifically with drug offenders, the other to work with sex offenders.

And he pointed out that, despite the shortfall, the number of prisoners who needed therapy was ?very small?.

?We are in the process of recruiting two psychologists, one to run sex offender treatment programmes and one to run other programmes,? Mr. Payling said.

?That recruitment began late last year but by the time we offered two people the posts, for personal circumstances they decided to turn the offers down.

?But we are making strenuous efforts with a view of getting someone who is qualified to run an accredited programme. It?s not a question of a lack of resources ? the money is there but, as in other professions, getting in the expertise can pose problems.?

Mr. Payling said that Westgate?s one psychologist is trained to work with sex offenders and is treating those ?who present the greatest risk to the community?.

In February Government pledged $3 million for prisoner rehabilitation programmes targeting drug addicts, sex offenders and violent criminals. That figure was double the amount of cash set aside in previous years.

At the time of the announcement, Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Randy Horton admitted that there were ?gaps? in the treatment regime but added that Government, which appointed a UK prisons? expert last October to improve rehabilitation programmes, was working to close them.

?There will always be challenges meeting the needs of people who are in jail with drug problems, but we recognise the need. We recognise it and I think the extra money will certainly assist,? he said.