Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether it is appropriate for a convicted sex offender, on probation, to be housed in the same facility as minors; his views on same; if he shares information with the Health Service Executive on those who have been convicted of sexual offences and may be housed in public facilities where vulnerable minors live; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24397/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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It is understood that the Deputy is referring to an individual who is residing in accommodation provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Arrangements in that respect are a matter for the HSE for which I have no responsibility as Minister.

However, more generally, I can advise that issues in relation to the management of sex offenders in the community were considered in detail in two documents published by my Department. Both documents - The Management of Sex Offenders (January, 2009) and Summary of views received on the Management of Sex Offenders (October, 2010) - are available on the Department's website at www.justice.ie.

On the question of sharing information, the Probation Service supervises convicted sex offenders as defined under the Sex Offenders Act, 2001. Sex offenders are not a homogenous group and it cannot be assumed that all sex offenders pose the same level of risk. The focus of the work with sex offenders is assessment of risk of re-offending, monitoring of compliance with relevant court supervision orders, engagement and motivation of offenders to effect positive change and collaboration between all relevant agencies in managing risk.

The Probation Service has also trained its staff in the application of evidential sex offender risk assessment instruments and established SORAM (sex offender risk assessment and management) with An Garda Síochána and latterly the HSE in order to enhance public safety and the prevention of further offending. Meeting nationally and locally, each SORAM Committee considers the Risk Matrix 2000 and Stable & Acute 2007 risk assessment instruments, and any other factors relevant to risk for each individual case identifying specific risk factors; agreeing risk management plans; agree/ensuring the appropriate sharing of information with other agencies in accordance with data protection legislation.

In accordance with its Child Protection Policy, the Probation Service informs the HSE of sex offender releases from prison. It is viewed as good practice to ensure that the relevant Child Care Manager is informed of all sex offenders living in his/her designated area.