Ms Caroline Counihan:

It is a major concern. I did not concern myself too much about it on this occasion because I was thinking that if it was all going to be in the control of the Garda and it would set the rules - in effect saying when, to whom and how much shall be disclosed - I cannot imagine it would be done without consultation with the local sex offender risk assessment and management, SORAM, first, last and always. In that context I have fewer concerns, although I have a general concern about that happening. The worst possible thing I have always heard, both from probation and gardaí involved with the management of sex offenders, is when offenders go under the radar, as that is when the risk can escalate very dramatically and quickly. I am concerned about who is going to get this information and what they will do with it. It cannot be misused. There should be some form of penalty for misusing the information. Dr. Fitzgerald-O'Reilly suggested there should be something in there about confidentiality and it is a very good idea.