Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

It is urgent that we ensure the regime in place to deal with registered sex offenders in this country is comparable with those in other countries, including the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. There have been many reports in recent days about registered sex offenders who have come to this country. It is important they are not allowed to come here to take advantage of what they might perceive to be a less strict regime.

I have read various comments by Ministers on this issue in recent days but I am concerned that it appears the onus is very much on the registered sex offender to register with the Garda. I strongly believe there should be a failsafe mechanism so that if they do not register, there is perhaps a penalty or otherwise. We should not have a system of which they can take advantage. I would like the Minister to explain what is in place and what is proposed.