Fresh controversy surrounds the case of sex offender Anthony Lyons after it emerged his six-year sentence can only be reactivated if he reoffends within two years of his release, rather than during the full six-year period.

Eight Catholic priests were convicted of child sexual abuse in six dioceses over a 35-year period, it emerged today.

THE number of registered sex offenders breaching their notification requirements to gardaí doubled last year, official figures show.