A tattoo removal programme may be reintroduced in prisons.

The Government's considering reviving a similar programme to the one which was ditched in 2006.

That was after controversy was sparked when taxpayers paid thousands for a violent offender to have a "Mongrel Mob Forever" tattoo lasered off. 

The Government has now asked Corrections for advice on how a revived tattoo removal scheme might work, and whether it would be user pays.

Corrections Chief Custodial Officer Neil Beales told the Weekend Collective tattoos are proving a roadblock for prisoners trying to re-enter society.

"It's hard enough for a prisoner who wants to go on straight and narrow to be accepted back into society as is. Even harder when they've got a tattoo that some may deem offensive or insulting." 

LISTEN TO NEIL BEALES TALK WITH THE WEEKEND COLLECTIVE ABOVE