Vol. 475 No. 6
43 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, she has for a register of sex offenders for the protection of the public from rapists and paedophiles following their release from prison; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5483/97]
The issue of a paedophile register will be addressed in my Department's forthcoming Discussion Paper on Sexual Offences. The paper will examine the various complex issues involved, e.g., what is meant by a paedophile register, who can be regarded as a paedophile, for how long should a person be obliged to register and who should have access to the register.
As regards arrangements currently in place to protect children, the Garda Criminal Records Office maintains indexed records of all persons convicted of criminal offences, including persons convicted of sexual offences. While these records are confidential and cannot normally be disclosed there is an important exception. The Garda Síochána may, with the applicant's consent, disclose to employers — including those in children's residential centres — information on the criminal convictions, if any, recorded in respect of any applicant for a post which involves substantial access to children.
