Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 11:

In page 16, line 16, to delete “or 14E”.

Amendment No. 12 is the substantive amendment in this grouping. It deletes the original provision under section 14D that concerns the disclosure of information relating to a relevant offender to police services or other law enforcement agencies outside the State. This was to allow An Garda Síochána to enter into agreements with other police forces to share information on sex offenders. However, on the basis of further consultation with An Garda Síochána, we now know this section is not required as there is legislation in place on the sharing of information with other police forces that is robust. Agreements already in place should not be jeopardised.

Amendments Nos. 11, 13, 15 to 19, inclusive, 21 to 31, inclusive, and 33 are all technical changes that arise from amendment No. 12. These deal with numerical and grammatical changes brought about by the deletion of section 14D. For example, the original section 14E will be named "14D", 14F will be named "14E", and so forth. These are very technical changes.

Amendment No. 14 will allow An Garda Síochána separately to provide a photo as part of any necessary disclosure where there is a risk of harm to the public or a member of the public by an offender. This amendment will contribute to the further protection of our communities in respect of disclosures and will be in addition to information about a registered sex offender already provided by An Garda Síochána to a member of the public where deemed appropriate to do so. Again, this is an amendment that came on foot of a discussion with Deputy Naughten on Committee Stage to make it explicit that a photograph could be provided as part of the information that is disclosed. The Bill had provided generally for any other information deemed necessary by the Garda, but specifying that a photo can be provided is an important measure. I again thank Deputy Naughten for his proposal and his continued support of the Bill.

The first main amendment is so that we do not replicate or in any way jeopardise a legal system or structure that already exists within An Garda Síochána. The second main amendment, separate to the technical amendments, is to make sure the Garda, where it deems it necessary, can provide a photograph if someone is in danger or there is an immediate threat. I thank Deputy Naughten for putting that suggestion forward.

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