Brexit Delaying Legislation In The Oireachtas

Justice Minister to introduce a version of "Sarah's Law".

Laois TD and Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan will introduce Ireland's version of the ''Sarah Law'' to give more clarity on the whereabouts of sex offenders.

Under the measures, the names and addresses of offenders will be given to school principals and residents who live nearby. 

The Irish Mirror reports that ''high risk'' sex offenders will also be electronically tagged as part of new procedures. 

A similar law was introduced in the UK following the death of 8 year old Sarah Payne nineteen years ago.  

Former minister Denis Naughten says the new legislation will allow Gardaí to release information on Sex Offenders posing a risk to children.

The Roscommon-Galway Independent TD believes the adapted version of Sarah's Law will be an effective solution to the lack of information currently made available. 

He says currently Gardaí can disclose the information, however, there is no legal basis for them to do so.

Under the legislation, they will be able to contact schools and members of the nearby community with names and addresses of registered sex offenders. 

Deputy Naughten outlines the effect the similar law has had on UK policing:

The Roscommon-Galway TD  says Brexit is delaying legislation in the Oireachtas.

He says there's been a six year wait for a new law, for a number of reasons - but the UK's exit from the EU is partly to blame for dominating parliamentary time.

Deputy Naughten says there's a backlog in the system due to Brexit uncertainty, delaying this and other legislation:

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