Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

That would mean the information could be input into the system immediately and a garda tracking the individual could access the PULSE system.

My amendments seek to ensure appeals are permitted within a short period. A breach of these conditions is criminal conduct and the individuals involved should be entitled to free legal aid because, in this instance, they have been recently released from prison and they might not necessarily have the means to make an appeal against crime prevention orders. I remain to be convinced that these orders are well thought out. What is the difference between the restriction of movement orders provided for under the Criminal Justice Act 2006 and crime prevention orders?

I understand what is being proposed and I agree the orders should be used to prevent the victims of crime living in fear when the offenders are released but I presume approaching a garda would help people who feel they are being intimidated or somebody is stalking them or seeking retribution for the time he or she spent in prison. These orders are intended to ensure the perpetrators of the crimes do not live in the same district as their victims or do not interfere with them in any way. We need to be careful because people have the right to freedom of movement, particularly if they have served their time. The exception is sex offenders, particularly predatory sex offenders and child abusers. Their movements should be monitored and recorded to ensure they do not engage in further sex crimes.

Crime prevention orders sound good but, at the end of the day, the gangland figures at whom they are aimed could not give a hoot about being restricted in their movements and who they can meet because most of their activities can be carried out by telephone. The orders do not prevent people from visiting them and engaging in further criminal activity. I am not sure about such but I will withdraw my amendments on the basis that they can be debated again tomorrow.

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