FG call for laws on access to sex offenders’ details
The fear that British child sex abusers could turn their sights on Ireland was expressed by Fine Gael last night.
TD Charlie Flanagan called for legislation here amid concern communities are unable to access sufficient details about locals who work, socialise or play with their children.
The demand comes as pilot schemes in Britain will soon allow parents to determine whether someone who has access to their children is a sex offender.
“These measures inevitably raise ethical and practical issues and any similar move in Ireland would have to be handled very carefully.
“Nevertheless, there is no provision in Irish law under which parents can be alerted to potential sexual offenders in their community who may have access to their children,” claimed the party’s justice spokesman.
The British pilot projects will run over a year in Warwickshire, Cambridgeshire, Cleveland and Hampshire.
Under the trial systems, parents or guardians can ask police for information about people directly involved in their own children’s lives.
Scenarios could include single mothers inquiring about a boyfriend’s past or inquiring about locals involved in sports with children. Under request, police carry out a priority check within 24 hours on an individual and a full risk assessment within 10 working days.
To prevent against vigilante-type scenarios, parents could face court if they pass details about an offender to others in the community.
Fine Gael warned the sharing of information on suspected offenders in Britain may encourage them to move here unless similar legislation here is adapted.
“If the British pilot scheme is successful it will be rolled out across the whole of that country. In this event, Ireland would inevitably be regarded as a safe haven by sex offenders, particularly given the common travel area,” Mr Flanagan.
The British move follows on from the so-called Megan’s Law in the United States, which requires authorities to identify sex offenders to the public at large. The law was named after a girl who was raped and murdered by a neighbouring sex offender.
A recent case in Ireland heard how Gustav Dahm, an Austrian man living in Kerry, was convicted of multiple counts of sex abuse carried out on several children between the ages of five and 15 years. He was known to Interpol.
A spokeswomen for the children’s minister admitted last night there was no legislative basis for Garda vetting. Government officials are working on legislation, she said, which will include using “soft” information.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
