Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his reply. Is it still his intention, and that of the Government, that there will be an all-island register? The Minister appears to be backtracking somewhat on commitments the Government made in this regard. What has happened since the report was published, on 27 January 2009, concerning sex offenders in the community? I am sure the Minister accepts that Ireland should not be regarded as a safe haven for any offenders, but in particular for sex offenders. I would remind him of the urgency involved, so perhaps the Minister could put a time-frame on the amending legislation that he now suggests is necessary to facilitate the important development of an all-island sex offenders register.

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