Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 October 2020
16. 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. [30685/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for raising this important issue and I know it is one on which he is particularly focused.
As the Deputy is aware, a person found guilty in court of a sexual offence automatically becomes subject to the registration / notification requirements of Part 2 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001. The sex offender is obliged to notify the Gardaí of their name and address for a period and any change in address must be notified within a specified time. Depending on the seriousness of the offence, this requirement can be imposed by a court even if no custodial sentence is imposed.
The 2001 Act also provides for the monitoring and supervision of convicted sex offenders in the community through An Garda Síochána and the Probation Service. It further provides for Sex Offenders orders which allow the court to prohibit a convicted sex offender from doing certain things with a view to protecting the public from serious harm.
The Gardaí can apply to the courts for a Sex Offenders order and ensure that offenders comply with the terms of such an order.
The Deputy is also aware that I intend to amend the existing legislation relating to the monitoring of sex offenders and my officials are working closely with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to advance the drafting of this bill. Completion of this work is a matter to which I attach great importance.
Turning to the question of the statistics requested, I have been informed by An Garda Síochána that, in 2019, the total number of reported incidents or breaches of Sex Offenders Act offences was 48, with 37 of those having resulted in follow up proceedings to date.
The latest figures available for 2020, which are up to 13 October, show the total reported cases as 53 with 45 incidents to date resulting in proceedings.
In terms of compliance levels, I am informed that 1625 people are currently subject to the requirements of Part 2 of the Sex Offenders Act, so based on that, the above figures indicate a compliance rate of over 96% for 2020.
