Government approves 'Debbie's Law' to tackle serial sex offenders
It was anounced today (Tuesday) that the Government will proceed with a new bill aimed at tackling repeat sex offenders.
The legislation will "broadly reflect" the original proposals made by Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran last year.
Minister Moran said the adoption by Government of his Private Members Bill seeking longer jail terms for serial sex offenders was "a significant step towards the greater protection of women and children."
The legislation was prompted by Mullingar resident Debbie Cole who was the victim of a violent sexual crime when she was aged 19.
“My motivation for introducing the Bill is a result of meeting a constituent of mine, Debbie Cole, who has long campaigned for the victims of sex offenders.
“The law will now clearly set out society’s abhorrence at the repeat offending by serial sex offenders,” said Minister Moran.
“Debbie Cole and victims like her deserve great credit and huge respect for consistently highlighting the need for Government to introduce stronger and more effective sentences to deter serial sex offenders.
“I am absolutely delighted that I have been in a position to effect change and the fact that this Bill is now being legislated for reflects the change that can happen from the Independent Alliance.”
At today’s Cabinet meeting, the decision was taken that the Criminal Justice (Commission of Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2017, originally proposed by Minister Moran will now be processed as Government legislation, with amendments, to be put forward as the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Amendment Bill 2018.
The proposed Bill will amend the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 and will be targeted at offenders who commit second and subsequent sexual offences.
Under the bill, offenders who have been sentenced to five years or more in jail will then have to serve at least three-quarters of the maximum allowable sentence for any subsequent offence committed within ten years.
Repeat offenders who commit an offence that carries the possibility of a life sentence will be forced to spend a minimum of ten years behind bars.