Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Like others, I commend Deputy O'Sullivan, not only on bringing this Bill forward but on all of her work in this area. As Deputy Ó Laoghaire has stated, we will be supporting this Bill. It is a welcome step to protect children in extremely vulnerable positions. This Bill will allow judges to make a decision on a convicted sex offender's ability to travel outside the State based on the case, the offender and the conviction. It is incredibly easy for people convicted of sex offences to travel to states such as the Philippines, Thailand and south-east Asia where there is not robust legislation around child protection and child welfare.

This poses a huge risk to children and vulnerable people in these countries. It is about time we implemented legislation that will better protect those children in vulnerable positions outside of the State from Irish predators. The Rape Crisis Network Ireland has shocking statistics in regard to child sex abuse. It is a situation which can only be worse in other countries where law enforcement is not as tight and corruption within police forces and judicial systems is rampant. Ireland has a responsibility to protect others from citizens who have been convicted of such crimes. This will stop convicted paedophiles from Ireland from travelling to other countries to partake in the sex trade there. It should not be easy for people who have been convicted of a sexual offence in this country to travel to countries where it is even easier for them to commit such acts.

While I have the opportunity on this topic, we need to do far more in our own country to protect children. I refer in particular to children who are vulnerable and at risk and who may be in care. We have seen so many tragic stories and situations in the not too distant past. I refer to children in a vulnerable position being exploited and taken advantage of. It always really angers me, as I am sure it does other people, but particularly as a mother. One thinks that one would do whatever one can to protect one's children. We need to be far better in this country in respect of legislation to protect those children in the first instance. As my colleague has said, when people are convicted there needs to be much stronger and more robust sentencing. We will be supporting this Bill and commend Deputy O'Sullivan and her colleagues on bringing it forward.

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