Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I transmitted those questions this morning, having previously transmitted them yesterday morning and I am awaiting a response. I, too, am satisfied that we have lots of rules and legislation and even more legislation all the time. However, I am not happy that they are being applied because they are not. This is an instance in which they were not.

When it was raised in the public media last week, we were told there was a review. However, the judgment was handed down. It is not me raising a concern. The High Court stated:

It cannot be overlooked that information relating to ... [the] conviction for a sexual offence was in the possession of the Minister's agents since October, 2021 without steps being taken [...] I am troubled that this fact has not come to light sooner given the purpose of maintaining a sex offenders register as a safety and control measure ...

That judgment was handed down and was delivered to the Minister on 22 March. When was that review requested? When did that review commence? Who was appointed to carry out that review? Can we see the terms of reference of that review or was that review something that was just rustled up? I hope it was not. Was it just rustled up last week in response to press queries?

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