Parents to be warned of sex offenders in area

GARDAÍ are expected to be given powers to identify convicted sex offenders where there is a danger to the public, Justice Minister Alan Shatter has confirmed.

Legislation planned by the minister will allow gardaí to warn individuals of a particular danger or to respond to specific requests.

Mr Shatter, who expects to publish the general scheme of a Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill in the autumn, said parents would be warned about sex offenders living in their neighbourhood. However, he ruled out allowing local authorities to publish the names and addresses of convicted sex offenders in their areas.