Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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486. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will set out the procedure to be followed on completion of sentence for the release of a child sex abuse prisoner in the community into a family including small children; if any particular resolutions are applicable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18517/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Sex Offenders Act 2001 contains a comprehensive series of provisions aimed at protecting children and other persons. Part 2 of the Act makes persons convicted of a range of sexual offences subject to notification requirements. This includes an obligation on the Irish Prison Service to inform An Garda Síochána ten days in advance of the release of a prisoner who is subject to those requirements.

In addition, where a Court has ordered post release supervision, the Probation Service engages with the prisoner and informs the Health Service Executive (HSE) of the forthcoming release and to advise of any potential child protection issues. The Deputy may wish to note that child protection risk assessments are the responsibility of the HSE.