19th June 2003
37. Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider making public the names of those sex offenders on the sex offenders register who refused to participate in sex rehabilitation programmes while imprisoned. [17207/03]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): As the Deputy will appreciate, releasing the names of persons on the register would carry significant risks for the safety of persons and property and for public disorder. At present, the Garda will release information from the register only where it is satisfied that there is a serious and immediate risk to someone from a person on the register, and then only on a strict need to know basis. I am not satisfied that any departure from this practice, particularly along the lines suggested by the Deputy, would be in the public interest.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.