Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am open to hearing from the Deputy about any submissions, observations or draft legislation. I know he has introduced some legislation in this area. I welcome that and I give my commitment to Deputy O'Callaghan, Deputy Ó Laoghaire and other Deputies that I am keen to listen and engage to ensure we can have the best possible legal system to deal with these deeply sensitive and personal issues.

The Government recently approved the drafting of the criminal law (sexual offences) (amendment) Bill following publication of the general scheme earlier this year. The main purpose is to provide for presumptive minimum sentences for repeat sexual offenders. The Bill also contains provisions relating to the crime of incest.

I will shortly bring to Cabinet the general scheme of a sex offenders (amendment) Bill. The scheme proposes several amendments to the Sex Offenders Act 2001 following a review of the management of offenders under that Act. The scheme includes several amendments to notification requirements on the sex offenders register under the 2001 Act as well as provisions for electronic monitoring of sex offenders and court powers to prohibit a sex offender from working with children. The important thing is to ensure that our courts system is no longer a cold and distant place for complainants or victims of crime.

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