Parliamentary Question: Sex Offenders Register

15th October 2003

193. Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the development of an all-Ireland sex offenders register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23509/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): In the context of the Good Friday Agreement, an intergovernmental agreement on North-South co-operation on criminal justice matters and an associated work programme are currently being negotiated and are expected to be finalised shortly.

One of the items under consideration for inclusion in the work programme is the establishment of a working group to review the arrangements for exchanging information on registered sex offenders. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Síochána and the PSNI maintain regular contact concerning the movements of sex offenders.