Abstract
A quantitative and qualitative examination was undertaken of a cognitive based
Education programme for offenders in Mountjoy prison. The primary sources of data
were the participants who had completed the Programme in December 2000 and the
Governor and Officers involved in the Programme. Qualitative research was carried
out so as to gather data in relation to participants. The questionnaire was designed
thematically in order to examine their attitudes having completed the Programme and
what, if any, follow up would be deemed appropriate. Quantitative research was used
in the form of in-depth interviews with the Governor and Officers involved in the
Programme, so as to supplement the information gathered in the questionnaires and
to understand the Programme, from a management perspective. The results obtained
reflected the programme in a very positive light and in particular highlighted the need
for a follow up.
The literature reviewed considered the role education and rehabilitation has played
in the development of the prison systems. In particular the inherent conflict presented
when this is contrasted with the traditionally primary roles of security, control and
safety. The discussion focuses on the themes of the questionnaires and the interviews and issues arising, in particular it examines the possibility of a follow up programme
involving a formally structured group therapeutic process as a possible model.
