RCNI Press Release - 12 September 2011

Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) today give a cautious welcome to reports that new legislation expected to be published at the end of this month by Minister for Justice and Equality, Alan Shatter will deal with the exchange of information on sex offenders, including limited disclosure to members of the public.

Executive Director Fiona Neary said ‘Good child protection involves all members of the community. Setting out roles and responsibilities with regard to information on convicted sex offenders is vital. It is however just as important not to overestimate the capacity of information sharing to protect our communities. Rape Crisis Annual Statistics continue to confirm that the majority of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone within or well known to the family. Most sex offenders of children are not convicted so ensuring good child protection also means parents ensuring Stay Safe Programmes in every school so that children know how to tell and talk about inappropriate behaviours.

The RCNI has had ongoing concerns at the absence of a legal framework for the sharing of information on sex offenders. While only a small number of sex offenders are convicted, it is important that available relevant information is in the hands of those who can protect vulnerable members of our community. Gardaí, probation officers and social workers have a role in protection but so too do parents and others who care for children for example. It is appropriate that in limited and controlled ways those members of the public should receive information relevant to their role in child protection. A failure to legislate has left many of the professionals involved in protection with uncertainty about how to act. It has left members of the public in the dark. Therefore, the RCNI look forward to seeing the details of the legislation when the minister publishes them.