Bill Allowing For Tagginf Of Sex Offenders To Be Published Today.

Wednesday, 10 November 2021 11:39

File image: Justice Minister, Helen McEntee, 27/04/2021 - RollingNews

There are currently more than 1,700 people subject to reporting requirements under existing legislation

A bill allowing for the electronic tracking of sex offenders will be published today.

The bill will also change registration for such offenders and bar them from working with children.

Our Political Correspondent Seán Defoe reports:

"While her predecessor Charlie Flanagan got Cabinet approval back in 2018 to move towards electronic tagging of sex offenders, Justice Minister Helen McEntee will today publish the bill providing for it in law.

There are currently more than 1,700 people subject to reporting requirements under existing legislation, with 433 more in custody who will be monitored on release.

The Sex Offenders Amendment Bill will mean stricter registering of offenders - if they change address they have to notify gardaí within three days, down from the current seven.

Courts will be explicitly able to bar offenders from working with children or vulnerable people.

While gardaí will be able to take fingerprints, palm-prints and photographs to confirm the identity of the person.

Gardaí will also be able to reveal the identity of a sex offender to members of the public in extenuating circumstances.

The bill provides for electronic monitoring of sex offenders - however the Department says detailed planning and procurement is needed, meaning it may be some time before this new bill is passed and then enforced."

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