Written answers

Tuesday, 18 October 2016

Department of Justice and Equality

Sex Offenders Notification Requirements

Photo of Michael HartyMichael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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156. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason there is not a national sex offenders register available for inspection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30467/16]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that the relevant legislation in this regard is contained in Part 2 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001 which makes persons convicted of a range of sexual offences subject to notification requirements. All offenders who are subject to the notification requirements are monitored by the Sex Offender Management and Intelligence Unit (SOMIU) at the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The Unit is supported by Garda Inspectors nominated in each Garda Division.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that, for operational reasons, An Garda Síochána does not divulge details of the management and assessment of persons who are subject to these notification requirements. However, An Garda Síochána may disclose to a member or members of the public information regarding a convicted sex offender where it is considered that such person poses a risk.

I can advise the Deputy that proposals providing for a statutory disclosure scheme will be brought forward as part of a new Sex Offenders (Amendment) Bill with the primary objective of minimising the risk posed to the public by convicted sex offenders. These proposals envisage a renewed collaboration between An Garda Síochána and the Probation Service in assessing the risk posed by convicted sex offenders and, where necessary, taking action based on that risk, including the disclosure of information in certain circumstances.

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