McDowell denies Ireland is safe haven for sex offenders

The Minister for Justice has dismissed reports that a convicted sex offender from the North has breached his probation conditions by moving to the Republic.

35-year-old Paul Hunter Redpath, who's been convicted of abusing two young girls, has been placed on the garda sex offenders register.

Minister McDowell says there's no question of Ireland becoming a safe haven for sex offenders who are convicted abroad, because they are obliged to register once they come here.

The Minister says both the PSNI and the Gardaí are aware of the case in question.

"Well first of all, I believe that the case which has been the subject of some publicity, the Gardaí are aware of the presence of the person in question in Ireland and he has complied with his legal obligations in relation to registration,” he said.

“Secondly as far as I am aware the PSNI made no request as to whether anything in particular should be done to him,” he continued.