Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2013
269. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the proposal he will bring forward in terms of informing the public of the whereabouts of convicted sex offenders where gardaí believe the criminal is a threat or a risk to the local community in which the or she is living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43494/13]
View answerThe 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. 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.
It is already possible, in exceptional circumstances such as an immediate risk to a persons safety and welfare, for Gardaí to provide appropriate information to the public. Currently, this is done on an administrative basis but, subject to Government approval, I intend to put these arrangements on a statutory footing in the forthcoming Sexual Offences Bill. I expect to bring legislative proposals to Government for approval in a matter of weeks. It is my intention to publish the General Scheme of the Sexual Offences Bill once my proposals have been considered by the Cabinet.
