Vol. 544 No. 3
432 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if victims or their representatives have a right to information regarding the register of sexual offenders; if victims can be informed of the addresses of offenders; and the way in which they can take action if they wish to voice concern regarding offenders on the register. [28884/01]
Under the Sex Offenders Act, 2001, sex offenders are obliged to notify the Garda Síochána of their names and addresses within a specified time of their conviction or release from serving a custodial sentence, whichever is applicable. Any changes to those names and addresses also have to be notified. The purpose of the Act is to ensure that the Garda Síochána has up-to-date information on the whereabouts of convicted sex offenders. This in itself should act as a deterrent to reoffending and so contribute towards their rehabilitation. In addition, the availability of up-to-date data will be of particular benefit to the Garda in the investigation and prevention of sexual crimes.
The operation of the Act is a matter for the Garda Síochána. Information will only be disclosed to other persons in the most exceptional circumstances in order to prevent an immediate crime or to alert members of the public to an apprehended danger and then only on a strict need-to-know basis. As the Deputy will appreciate, any widespread or inappropriate disclosure of names could have undesirable consequences such as public disorder or attacks on persons, even on persons wrongly identified. Victims who have concerns regarding offenders should contact their local Garda station.
