Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021
123. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice if she is satisfied with the level of compliance by persons who are subject to the requirements of Part 2 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001; the number of breaches of these conditions recorded by An Garda Síochána in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48280/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, An Garda Síochána has responsibility for monitoring persons convicted of sexual offences who are subject to Part 2 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001.
The Garda National Protective Services Bureau, which falls under the remit of Assistant Commissioner, Organised & Serious Crime has a dedicated unit, the Sex Offender Management and Intelligence Unit (SOMIU), which has National Governance on the management of registered sex offenders. SOMIU liaise on a daily basis with Nominated Divisional Inspectors and their teams throughout the Garda Regions with regard to the maintenance of records and the monitoring level of registered sex offenders in their area.
I am informed that, currently, there are one thousand, seven hundred and eight (1,708) people recorded at the Sex Offenders Management and Intelligence Unit who are subject to Part 2 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001.
The number of breaches of the Sex Offenders Act as recorded by An Garda Síochána in the past 12 months totals seventy six (76).
A person subject to a Part 2 order who fails to comply with the order, or who provides false or misleading information, can be prosecuted and is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €5,000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both, or on conviction on indictment to a fine not exceeding €10,000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years, or both.
