Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2015
397. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons registered under Part 2 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001; the number of breaches under this Part in 2014 and in 2015 to date; the number of cases pending; the number of convictions in each year concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30254/15]
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. 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 advised that the appropriate level of monitoring is carried out by An Garda Síochána and that all breaches of the requirements which come to notice are pursued.
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.
I have asked the Garda authorities to provide the information requested concerning the number of persons who are subject to the requirements of Part 2 of the Act and I will contact the Deputy directly when this is to hand.
As the Deputy will be aware the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the publication of recorded crime statistics. I have requested the CSO to provide the available statistics in relation to offences and convictions as requested by the Deputy directly to him.
