The introduction of a sex offenders' register here in 2000 was widely seen as an important weapon in combating serious child abuse. However, it does not necessarily stop offenders passing freely from one jurisdiction to another, nor can it be relied on to stop them offending again.
The measure was introduced in the Sex Offenders Bill, proposed by then minister for justice John O'Donoghue in 2000. While it was presented as a "paedophile register", the legislation in fact provides for the registration of all sex offenders sentenced to more than six months' imprisonment. The register therefore includes people convicted of sex offences against adults, and of offending within their own families, none of whom are likely to pose a serious danger to unknown children. This makes the number on the register quite large.
Before the register's introduction, there were fears that sex offenders placed on a register in the UK might seek to avoid surveillance by coming to Ireland. Having a similar register here, and co-operation between the two jurisdictions, was seen as necessary to combat this threat. But the onus remains on the offender to register his name and address, and notify the Garda of any change of address. While it is an offence not to comply, it is not clear what resources are devoted to pursuing those who attempt to evade the conditions of their registration.
People convicted of relatively minor offences, and anxious to get their lives back on track, are likely to be compliant, but serious offenders, who pose a threat to the lives as well as the safety of young people, will be determined and inventive in evading the law. They will be on the register along with hundreds of other people unlikely to offend against children.
Local gardaí are sometimes informed of the presence of a serious sex offender in their area, and some of the police forces in the UK also share information with the Garda. But this is a hit-and-miss state of affairs, and ultimately the extent of surveillance boils down to the commitment of local forces and the availability of resources.