Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I accept what Deputy Kenny has said. I accept also that this is an area which cannot be over regulated, if it stops paedophilia or any kind of abuse. To reply specifically to some of the questions raised, the issue of soft information which has come to the fore a number of times is being examined. The Tánaiste has already said at the committee that that requires a constitutional amendment or a change. In the process of the constitutional discussions we are having on the related issues we would consider that important point.

There is close co-operation between the Garda and the authorities on this matter. Following the Huntley murder case and others, the British authorities stepped up co-operation because of concern in its jurisdiction and co-operation was also stepped up here. The Garda and the PSNI work closely on this because of the easy movement of people. Of course, there is easy movement of people between many places now. The movement of offenders is shared and exchanged on a daily basis between the police authorities.

A memorandum of understanding which will enhance the existing information sharing arrangements between Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland, relating to sex offenders, will be signed by the Tánaiste next Monday. In addition, under the intergovernmental agreement on North-South co-operation on criminal justice matters, an advisory group on registered sex offenders has already been established to enable continued and close co-operation and information sharing between the two parts of the island and with our neighbours in Britain. Clearly one can never say that nobody can get through the system but everything that has been recorded is available to our police. There is close co-operation and information is exchanged on a daily basis. There are nominated gardaí in each division who have a part to play. PULSE is updated on the position. The Garda has the power to monitor convicted sex offenders coming here from abroad and the power to seek a sex offenders order against them if they think they are a danger to the public. As I understand it, the Garda can move that order based on any——

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