The legal framework
Irish law provides for extraterritorial jurisdiction over sexual offences against children committed abroad by Irish citizens and by persons ordinarily resident in the State, implementing the Lanzarote Convention and the corresponding EU directive. Sex offender notification requirements include an obligation to notify intended foreign travel.
Ireland's Sexual Offences (Jurisdiction) Act and subsequent legislation allow prosecution of Irish citizens and residents for sexual offences against children committed abroad, and also criminalise transporting a person for that purpose. Convictions bring notification requirements under the sex offenders legislation, including an obligation to notify travel outside the State.
As a member state of the European Union, this country's jurisdiction to try its nationals for child sexual abuse committed abroad derives from Directive 2011/93/EU, which prohibits requiring double criminality.
Key points
| Basis | Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 and earlier legislation |
|---|---|
| Who is covered | Irish citizens and persons ordinarily resident in the State |
| Dual criminality | Not required for child sexual offences |
| Register | Notification of intended foreign travel required |
| International framework | Lanzarote Convention and EU directive implemented |
| Reporting | An Garda Síochána, any station |
| Time limits | No limitation period for these offences |
In practice
- Report at any Garda station on return; there is no deadline.
- A witness report does not require certainty or a full identification.
- Keep dates, place names and any photographs: they are what allow an investigation to start.
- Prosecution in Ireland is possible even where the local authorities took no action.
Cost and coverage
Reporting is free everywhere listed here.
Where to go
- An Garda Síochána, any station.
- Garda National Protective Services Bureau.
- Irish embassy or consulate.
- ISPCC and child protection organisations.
Worth knowing
The removal of dual criminality is the whole point of these provisions: an act tolerated where it happened can still be prosecuted at home. There is no jurisdiction that operates as a refuge.
Frequently asked questions
Who can be prosecuted in Ireland?
Irish citizens and people ordinarily resident in the State, for specified sexual offences against children committed anywhere. Transporting or arranging transport for that purpose is a separate offence, which catches organisers as well as principals.
Who can report a suspicion from abroad?
Anyone. Hotel and tour staff, other travellers, non-governmental organisations and consular officials all pass reports to police in the traveller's home country, usually through Interpol channels. You do not need proof, only a specific and honest account: a description, a date, a place and a name or room number. Reporting to the local police as well is worth doing where it is safe to do so.
Official sources and links
- Citizens Information — official plain-language guide to rights and entitlements
- Irish Statute Book — legislation as enacted