Parliamentary Question: Sexual Offences

10th December 2002

391. Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people currently on the sexual offences register. [25657/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): The Sex Offenders Act, 2001, which was enacted on 30 June 2001 contains a comprehensive package of provisions aimed at protecting children and other vulnerable persons against sexual abuse and attack. The entire Act was brought into operation on 27 September 2001 by way of commencement order and, inter alia, requires convicted sex offenders to notify their names and addresses to An Garda Síochána in accordance with the requirements of the Act. I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 304 persons subject to the requirements of the Act.