Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 162: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps that have been taken to implement the recommendation of the 2006 report of the committee on child protection that a system be developed as soon as possible for computerised storage and dissemination of information received in accordance with the Sex Offenders Act, 2001; and his proposals in relation to the recommendation for the further study of the circumstances in which the persons to whom information contained in the Sex Offenders Register might be released. [22419/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Garda Síochána has in place a system for the monitoring of persons subject to the requirements of the Sex Offenders Act, 2001. The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit monitor and manage the notification provisions. The information on persons who are subject to the requirements of the Sex Offenders Act, 2001 is maintained at a central location. Only specified nominated Garda personnel have access to this information. I am advised by the Garda authorities that they are currently assessing requirement regarding access to this information by other units within the Force. I have no plans to amend the legislation to allow for access by others to this information.

There are nominated Garda Inspectors in each Garda Division who are notified by the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit when a sex offender, who is subject to the requirements of the Act, is resident in their Division. These inspectors are responsible for the monitoring of such offenders.

The Garda authorities are currently preparing to integrate the system for recording persons subject to the requirements of the Act into the PULSE system.

The provisions of the Sex Offenders Act 2001 are kept under constant review in my Department with a view to ensuring the Act is operating in an efficient and effective manner. I am currently reviewing provisions to strengthen the monitoring of registered sex offenders.