Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2013
211. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will explain delays in bringing forward legislation to provide for the electronic tagging of sex offenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23139/13]
View answerMy Department has been conducting an examination of the law on sexual offences generally. This includes a review of the Sex Offenders Act 2001. In that context, legislative proposals being considered include measures for the electronic monitoring of sex offenders in specific circumstances.
Having regard to competing legislative priorities, the review has been progressed as speedily as possible. This work is close to completion and I expect to bring a draft General Scheme to Government in the coming months with a view to seeking approval for drafting of the necessary legislation.
This will be wide-ranging legislation and is not limited to reform of the Sex Offenders Act 2001. Inter alia, it will also implement the recommendations of two Oireachtas committees, facilitate full compliance with the criminal law provisions of relevant EU, UN and Council of Europe legal instruments and reform the law on incest.
