Government accepts Bill to give information on paedophiles to parents – Naughten

In Families, Young People by Denis Naughten

Denis Naughten TD has welcomed the Government’s decision to accept his legislation to allow information on sex offenders to be made available to the parents of children and vulnerable adults who may be at risk.

He also welcomed confirmation that the legislation, which is to be introduced by Denis Naughten in the Dáil this week, is to be incorporated into Government legislation on sex offenders which will be published in the coming weeks.

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“This is an issue that I have felt strongly about for some time, particularly since coming across a worrying incident in 2011 which at the time had the potential to put the safety of children at risk,” commented Denis Naughten.

“This is a significant step forward in protecting children by providing parents – for the first time in Irish law – with the right to access relevant information from the Gardai regarding a high risk sex offender who is living in their community. In addition, it will also close of significant loopholes for the abuse of the sex offenders register.”

He added: “I want to thank the parents that initially brought this issue to my attention and the hundreds of parents around the country who have contacted me over the last 15 months since I first published this legislation.

“I also want to thank the Minister for Justice for his support and encouragement and I look forward to working with him and his department officials to ensure that a robust piece of law is put in place that protects children and vulnerable adults in communities right across the country.”

Editor’s Note: Link to Child Sex Offenders (Information And Monitoring) Bill 2012 [PMB] as initiated and Explanatory Memorandum:
http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?fn=/documents/bills28/bills/2012/7312/b7312d.pdf