Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 34:

In page 20, between lines 29 and 30, to insert the following: “(c) in subsection (4), after “respondent” where it secondly occurs, to insert the following:

“or protecting the victim of previous crimes from harassment”,”.

We discussed this in detail privately. The amendment related to protecting the victims of previous crimes from harassment from a convicted sex offender following the release of the offender from prison. Sadly, this intimidation is all too common. Covert intimidation takes place. It is nearly impossible for the Garda to be in a position to secure a conviction due to the current law, which refers to harassment more broadly. I can understand that. There is history here. This intimidation undermines the ability of the victim to get on with his or her life. The Minister said on Committee Stage said that she would not deal with this in this Bill and further legislation would come forward in which she would address it. She might provide clarity regarding her intentions and timelines for that legislation.

See this speech in context