21st February 2002
141. Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the legislation governing the sexual offenders register has been enacted; the provisions in place; if the Act makes provision for retrospection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6202/02]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue): 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 Act provides for the establishment of a sex offenders register; a civil sex offender order; information on any conviction for a sex offence to be provided to employers for employment purposes; the post-release supervision of sex offenders; separate legal representation for complainants in serious sexual crimes trials in certain circumstances; and a significant increase in the penalty for sexual assault. I brought the entire Act into operation on 27 September 2001 by way of a commencement order.
In so far as the sex offenders register is concerned, the Act provides for limited retrospection in that convicted sex offenders still in contact with the criminal justice system at the time the Act came into operation, such as those in prison, are obliged to register their names and addresses with the Garda Síochána in accordance with the requirements of the Act.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.