Denis Naughten has welcomed the approval by Cabinet of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill which will ensure that Ireland has, at long last, laws that can effectively monitor high risk sex offenders.

“The new law will close off a number of gaping loopholes within our so-called sex offenders register and for the first time will give the Gardai the legal tools to effectively monitor those who pose a risk to children and vulnerable adults,” states Denis Naughten TD.

“The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill will to allow for the tagging of high risk sex offenders after their release from prison, which will make our streets safer. The tags have been gathering dust while we have waited and waited for the new law”.

“In fact the Prison Service has been proactive in planning for the new law and already has 50 electronic tags available once the law is enacted.

“Included in the legislation is a provision which will provide the Gardai with the power, in certain circumstances, to inform a parent or the community with regard to the risk that a sex offender poses to a child or the community as a whole.

“It is also understood that the law will make provision for parents to have the right to access relevant information from the Gardai regarding a high risk sex offender who is living in their community, who poses a threat to their son or daughter.”

Some of the provisions in the new law have been included on foot of the acceptance by Government of two private members Bills produced by Deputy Naughten.

“This law is a significant step forward in protecting children by providing for the effective monitoring of sex offenders and I look forward to working with Minister Fitzgerald and her 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,” concluded Denis Naughten.