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Sex Offenders Notification Requirements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 July 2013

Thursday, 18 July 2013

Questions (561)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

561. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of sex offenders registered in the State broken down by Garda Division; if he will provide an outline of the way sex offenders within the Irish State and abroad are monitored and the services offered to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36452/13]

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Written answers

The Sex Offenders Act 2001 contains a comprehensive series of provisions aimed at protecting children and other persons. Part 2 of the Act makes persons convicted of a range of sexual offences subject to notification requirements. The provisions of the Act also extend to any offenders convicted abroad of the same range of sexual offences who enter the State.

In this regard, I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 16 July 2013, there were 1,280 persons subject to the requirements of Part 2 of the Act. I am further informed that, as a matter of Garda operational and data policy, An Garda Síochána does not provide a break down of persons subject to the requirements of the Sex Offenders Act, 2001 on a county by county or Divisional basis. All offenders subject to the notification requirements are monitored by the Sex Offender Management and Intelligence Unit (SOMIU) at the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The Unit is supported by Garda Inspectors nominated in each Garda Division throughout the State. I am informed that the nominated Inspector in each Division has access to all necessary resources within his/her Division to assist him/her in carrying out his/her duties. Where An Garda Síochána becomes aware that an offender subject to the notification requirements has breached those requirements, appropriate action is taken, including circulation through PULSE of their information, as well as inquiries to identify their current whereabouts. I am confident that the appropriate level of monitoring is carried out by An Garda Síochána and all breaches of the requirements which come to notice are pursued.

I can further advise the Deputy that sex offenders released from prison, who are subject to supervision by the Probation Service under a Post Release Supervision Order, are assessed while in custody by the Probation Service using a validated risk assessment instrument. The risk and needs identified in the assessment inform the development of the case management plan, which is then monitored and supervised by the Probation Service in the community. I am further advised that An Garda Síochána receives notifications regarding convicted sex offenders who travel to this country. When SOMIU receives such a notification, it is recorded on the Garda PULSE system and the relevant nominated Divisional Inspector is notified as a priority.

I am also informed that when the Garda authorities become aware that a convicted sex offender has left or is intending to leave the State, the Sex Offender Management and Intelligence Unit ensures that the relevant law enforcement agency in the country of destination is advised via Interpol. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Irish and British Governments on the sharing of information on sex offenders between An Garda Síochána and British police forces, including the PSNI, is in place since 2006 and there are excellent working relationships surrounding the monitoring of the travel arrangements of the persons in question.

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