Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I thank all the Senators for their comments.

Senator Regan suggested that the list of sex offenders is paper based. I am glad to be able to say that the list is now electronically issued and is integrated with the Garda PULSE system with appropriate security.

He inquired about the passing of information by the Garda to the HSE. The Children First guidelines provide for this. There is close co-operation between the two organisations and I announced earlier in the year that we would put the Children First guidelines on a statutory footing, which would give further statutory protection for the exchange of information between these two organisations.

Senator O'Toole suggested a sex offender's reduction in sentence for good behaviour should be tied to participation in a treatment programme. However, naturally, it is better to have voluntary participation rather than it being in any way seen as some form of duress. No decision has yet been made on whether the reduced period will apply to all aspects about which Senator Bacik asked but all possibilities are being considered. Consideration is also being given to having to provide additional information and increased disclosure to other relevant organisations.

Recently, I visited the Garda vetting unit and great progress is being made in North South co-operation. I hope the vetting legislation will be presented to Government prior to Christmas. It is at a very advanced stage. Everyone will agree this is an area ideally suited to North-South co-operation. In recent weeks, I launched the North-South child protection hub, which is the first manifestation of the co-operation taking place between the two governments on the issue of vetting. It is an area in which policy is developing. There is a national organisation for the treatment of abusers which is doing its work very carefully and sensitively. As Senator Boyle pointed out, it is an area that can attract very strident comment if not properly dealt with. It is very sensitive. I thank Senators for their comments in a very constructive debate.