Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the person who is responsible for monitoring sex offenders here; if the local gardaí are made aware of the number and location of sex offenders within their area; if such offenders are monitored on a regular basis; if a sex offenders register exists; if sex offenders have to report to a Garda station in the area in which they reside on a regular basis; the course of action normally taken if a sex offender is identified or recognised, particularly if protests are organised by members of the public; if they are relocated for their own safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14300/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Sex Offenders Act, 2001 contains a comprehensive series of provisions aimed at protecting children and other persons against sexual abuse and attack.

The Act makes persons convicted of a range of sexual offences subject to notification requirements under Part 2 of the Act. The provisions of the Act also extend to any sex offenders who enter the State.

An Garda Síochána has a system in place for the monitoring of persons subject to these requirements. The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit monitors and manages the notification provisions. The Unit maintains all information relating to persons who have obligations under the Act. There is a nominated Garda Inspector in each Garda Division who has responsibility for the monitoring of persons subject to the requirements of the Act in their Division. As soon as the Domestic Violence and Assault Investigation Unit is advised by a relevant authority, such as the Irish Prison Service, the Courts Service or a foreign law enforcement agency, of the impending release or movement of sex offenders into their area this information is immediately passed to the nominated Inspectors, who are advised of information relevant to their Division. Should they arise, child protection issues are raised with the health authorities, as set out in the Children First guidelines.

Section 10 of the Sex Offenders Act, 2001 requires offenders to notify the Garda Síochána of their name and home address within seven days of becoming subject to the notification requirement. Notification is made at any Garda Divisional or District headquarters and may be done so in person or by post. Thereafter offenders must, within seven days of the event, notify the Garda of any subsequent changes to their name or address. Offenders who leave the State for an intended continuous period of seven days or more must inform the Garda in advance of their leaving.

The identity of, or other information relating to, such offenders is not made public. If An Garda Síochána becomes aware that such an offender has been identified, he or she is informed and appropriate advice is provided.