Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 328: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way the register for sex offenders operates; the central location for the register; the way same operates on a day to day basis in relation to decisions by sex offenders to change address; the steps that are taken regarding the new areas of residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7792/10]

Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 329: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the date upon which the sex offender register commenced; the provision that is made for existing sex offenders that are in prison on that date to be placed on the register and that were aware of their release from prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7793/10]

Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding sex offenders who are sentenced with community service as distinct from prison service; if this avoids the sex offender having to be placed on the sex offenders register; if so, the steps he will take to rectify this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7794/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 328 to 330, inclusive, together.

The Sex Offenders Act 2001 contains a comprehensive set of provisions aimed at protecting children and other persons. The Act makes persons convicted of a range of sexual offences subject to notification requirements under its Part 2, including notification of changes of address. The provisions of the Act also extend to any offenders convicted abroad of the same range of sexual offences who enter the State, including from Northern Ireland. The entire Act was commenced on 27 September, 2001.

An Garda Síochána has a system in place for the monitoring of all persons subject to these requirements. The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit monitors and manages the notification provisions and 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 Sexual 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 a sex offender, this information is immediately passed to the nominated Inspector.

A High Level Group set up by my Department and also involving An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service and the HSE is examining the arrangements in place for the management of sex offenders with a view to strengthening inter-agency co-operation and further enhancing public protection and safety. The group's remit includes a review of the procedures and legislation relating to the assessment, monitoring and supervision of convicted sex offenders.

I am currently reviewing the criminal law on sexual offences, including the provisions of the Sex Offenders Act 2001. The review is taking into account the relevant legislative provisions in force in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. Should the need for changes to the law in this area be identified, I will bring proposals to Government seeking approval for the preparation of appropriate amendments to the legislation.