Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Deputies for speaking on this Bill. I also thank my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, for allowing me to sum on up on this important Bill.

This Government Bill originates from a Private Members’ Bill sponsored by me and introduced to the Dáil in May 2017. In July 2017, it was announced the Government would be drafting its own legislation which would broadly reflect the proposal put forward in my Private Members’ Bill. As an Independent Member in my first term, it is a great privilege to be in a position to have played a major part in bringing this legislation before the House. I am fulfilling my mandate to the people who elected me. I am here trying to make a difference to the lives of ordinary people who look to us for support and to make their lives that small bit safer.

The Bill addresses the situation where convicted sex offenders have gone on to commit further and more serious crimes. We have seen many instances where a convicted sex offender has gone on to commit further serious and horrible sex offences. We owe a duty as legislators to the people to protect them through safer and stronger laws. The Bill is aimed at serial sexual offenders who ignore all rehabilitation efforts and remain a constant public danger and menace to men, women and children.

This issue was raised some time ago by a constituent, Debbie Cole-----

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