Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Part of this section is to get the permission of the property owner to install particular technical equipment that would be needed to monitor the person staying there. We cannot put equipment into somebody's house without his or her permission and that is what this allows for. If a convicted offender is staying in a property, be it rented or otherwise, we must seek the permission of the owner to install this equipment. The legal advice is that it is important this happens.

Regarding what Deputy Naughten has said about those who are more likely to reoffend, the evidence we have is that it is more likely that people who want to reform will take an electronic tag. It is often part of the terms of an agreement for early release. If an offender is released early, it is often on the basis that he or she wears an electronic tag. If this is breached and the offender does not wear it, he or she is put back in prison. Particularly in female cases, there is a higher percentage who would present for this type of an approach because it means they have an opportunity to be released sooner. They are obviously monitored and that presents a better outcome. However, I go back to my previous point about psychosexual treatment. If someone does not admit his or her guilt and does not want to reform, taking part in therapy or wearing an electronic tag will not change his or her behaviour. The tag means we know where he or she is but it does not necessarily prevent something from happening.

The section itself is very much dealing with the need to make sure a person is happy for particular technology to be put into his or her home, rented property or apartment in which somebody is staying. If an offender does not comply with the actual restriction of movement and the use of electronic tagging, he or she is simply put back into prison because he or she is in breach of the terms of release.