Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 586: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform his plans to introduce legislation similar to Sarah's law in the UK providing information to parents. [1251/11]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 587: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform his plans to introduce legislation similar to Sarah's law in the UK on the provision of information to parents regarding sex offenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1252/11]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 586 and 587 together.

As the Deputy may know, the Garda Síochána has a system in place for the monitoring of all persons subject to the notification requirements - sex offenders' register - of the Sex Offenders Act 2001. Their 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 his/her Division.

In January, 2009 I published a comprehensive discussion document on the management of sex offenders. One of the issues raised was the question of whether the name and address of sex offenders who completed their sentences should be made public. Following publication of the document my Department invited comment and held a forum to hear the views of a range of interested parties. The universal view of those who responded was that such a general approach to the publication of this type of information would be counter productive and would, in all probability, drive sex offenders underground where they could not be monitored and where they were more likely to re-offend. There was, however, support for the view that those with a legitimate interest should receive appropriate information and, if there was a danger to the public, the Gardaí should be able to make the identity of a sex offender known. Provision of information to the public in exceptional circumstances, including the provision of appropriate information to parents, is already possible on an administrative basis. Subject to Government approval, it is intended to introduce legislative provisions to put such disclosure on a statutory footing. This would have the effect of allowing the Gardaí to warn individuals of a particular danger or to respond to specific requests.