Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2010
297 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding the status of legislation to give the Garda and the probation service new statutory powers in the monitoring of released sex offenders; the details of these new powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26603/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sex Offenders Act 2001, which includes provisions relating to the registration of sex offenders, post-release supervision of sex offenders and sex offender orders, is being evaluated as part of a major review of the criminal law governing sexual offences.
I will first have to seek Government approval before I publicly give details of my legislative proposals. However, speaking generally, I expect, inter alia, to bring forward proposals to put risk assessment by the relevant authorities on a statutory basis and make the application process for a sex offender order easier. I am planning greater approximation of the laws North and South of the border, in particular in relation to the operation of the respective notification systems, so that sex offenders can gain no advantage in living in or visiting either side of the border. I am also considering what additional information offenders might be required to give to the Gardaí in the context of notification requirements for the sex offenders register. When the review is complete I will seek Government approval for the necessary legislation.
