TD Conor Sheehan´s comment comes following proposals for a sex offender register
Newly elected Limerick TD Conor Sheehan has welcomed the opportunity to further explore proposals to introduce a register for those convicted of serious sexual assault or domestic violence.
However, the Labour TD has warned that Ireland needs a justice system that doesn’t encourage vigilantism.
TD Sheehan supports discussion on the sex offender register
Reacting to proposals by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan to establish a register of those convicted of rape, serious sexual assault, or domestic violence which would be available to the public, Deputy Sheehan said: “It’s an idea that needs to be teased through properly, and I would welcome any proposals that may come before the Justice Committee to allow members of the committee to fully interrogate them.”
“Gender-based and domestic violence is at an all-time high. It’s an absolute epidemic and we need to do a hell of a lot more,” he stated.
Privacy and Vigilantism Concerns Raised
According to Deputy Sheehan, a register might bring more reassurance, however, it does come with privacy concerns.
“It [the register] would give people who are survivors a sense of comfort and a sense of certainty. I mean nobody wants to see a convicted sex offender in their community,” he stated.
“Privacy concerns are an issue, and we need to have a system that’s in place that doesn’t encourage vigilante justice either and that would be a concern of mine.”
‘Jennie’s Law’ and Legislative Progress
The proposal for the register is part of The Sex Offenders (Coercive Control) (Amendment) Bill, also known as ‘Jennie’s Law’, which was launched in October of 2023 in memory of Jennifer Poole, who was killed by her former partner Gavin Murphy in 2021.
The bill would require someone with convictions for sexual offences to inform Gardaí of their residence and any new relationships. Furthermore, if someone has concerns about their relationship, they can ask Gardaí about their partner’s past and possible convictions.
Jim O’Callaghan, who defended the creation of the register compared it to the public list of tax evaders. He told the Irish Examiner that it is “incomprehensible” that tax evaders’ details are published publicly, but not a list of individuals convicted of sexual assault or rape. He said, “We have a situation in this country where we publish lists of tax offenders. We don’t publish a list of people who’ve been convicted of rape or serious sexual assault.”
Speaking at recent a garda graduation ceremony in Templemore Minister Jim O’Callaghan discussed the progress of the register, defending his commitment to putting it in place.
However, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said that a big challenge is “identifying those who create the most risk, and then properly interdicting when we see that risk elevate to a point where serious injury or harm is threatened to an individual.”
Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh revealed to the Dáil in February that she has tried to improve the problem of gender-based violence in Ireland for over twenty years, without success. She said, “The truth is we do not take this issue seriously” and asked, “How many women would be alive today if this issue was taken seriously?”
The legislative proposal is currently before officials within the Department of Justice, O’Callaghan said, who will draft measures and advice, along with the Attorney General, about the introduction of the scheme.