Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Sinn Féin and I congratulate Deputy Naughten on introducing this Bill in order that we might debate this very important issue. I also commend the Deputy on an excellent explanatory memorandum which sets out clearly what he wants to achieve and how he hopes to go about achieving it.

Sexual violence is probably the most pervasive crime in Irish society yet it remains under-reported, under-investigated and under-prosecuted, conviction rates are low and criminal sentences rarely reflect the devastating impact of the crime on its victims. For their part, policy makers and policing services consistently fail to afford this crime the focus or resources it deserves. Sinn Féin believes that safeguarding the well-being of children and young people in order to protect them from physical, sexual and emotional harm and neglect should be a priority in law and policy. In all matters concerning the child, the welfare and protection of the young person must be paramount. Every child has the right to be protected from all forms of abuse.

Deputy Naughten's Bill seeks to establish an information on child sex offenders, ICSO, scheme that will enable parents and guardians to inquire whether persons coming into contact with their children or with vulnerable adults have been convicted of sexual offences or whether they otherwise pose a serious danger to children. It provides for a similar entitlement for persons in authority in schools and clubs. This Bill involves the careful balancing of rights, namely, those of parents to protect and safeguard their children and those of offenders. It also provides for a balance between the disclosure of information and the improved monitoring of convicted sex offenders. In our view the Deputy has managed to find a sensible and responsible way of dealing with the issue. We require a holistic approach to protecting our communities, particularly children and vulnerable adults from harmful individuals. Deputy Naughten's Bill strikes a measured and responsible balance.

Parents and guardians, as well as people in authority in schools and clubs, should be given access by the Garda to the full facts and history relating to any individual behaving suspiciously in order to enable them to protect those under their care. Hysteria and tabloid style sensationalism overlook the fact that two thirds of sexual offences are carried out by family and peers who are known to the victim.

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