‘Tagging’ call for drug offenders

THOSE found guilty of drugs offences should be electronically tagged in a bid to tackle gangland crime, a local councillor has stated.

Progress is currently being made by the Government in the drafting of legislation to allow for the tagging of sex offenders. Ennis Town Councillor and Ennis East Area County Councillor Johnny Flynn has voiced his support for the move, adding, “Tagging should also be considered for those found guilty of drugs offences as it could act as a useful tool in cracking down on gangland crime and related activities. The minister has stated that the new legislation will not be limited to the reform of the Sex Offenders Act, that it may be extended to other offences.”

Councillor Flynn outlined that Clare has been identified as having one of the lowest overall crime rates in the country.

According to Councillor Flynn the new legislation, which is expected to be brought forward in the coming months, will help tackle the area of sexual offences.

He explained, “The Department of Justice has been examining the law on sex offences, including a review of the Sex Offenders Act 2001.

“This includes the consideration of the tagging of sex offenders in specific circumstances; and the Minister for Justice has indicated that tagging sex offenders would be given priority before the tagging of other offenders is considered.”

He added, “Tagging, I believe, is a viable and effective example of the use of technology to limit the dangerous potential of serial sex and violent offenders.”