91997E3135

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3135/97 by Giuseppe Rauti (NI) to the Commission (13 October 1997)

Subject: Drawing up a register of paedophiles Europe-wide

Has the Commission carried out a proper assessment of the positive impact of the decision to establish a register of paedophiles in the United Kingdom, a decision taken in August 1997 as part the new law on the subject, which immediately entered into force. As reported by the Belgian newspaper 'Le Soir' (2 September 1997), under the new provisions, anyone currently serving a sentence for paedophile acts or released on remand or on probation in the United Kingdom must supply the police with his name and address within two weeks and must notify the police of any subsequent change of address.

The new law - which will make it possible to prosecute British paedophiles even in respect of offences committed abroad, with a view to combating 'sex tourism' - concerns some 6 000 people, and it is reckoned that a further 3 500 names will need to be added each year. Anyone convicted under the new law may face a prison sentence of up to six months and a LIT 15 million fine. In certain cases, the police will be entitled to warn schools, youth groups and local clubs that a potentially dangerous man has moved into the neighbourhood.

Given that new laws are being drafted in various European countries, is the Commission prepared, taking its inspiration from the British law, to introduce legislation common to all fifteen Member States, providing for the establishment of a 'European register of paedophiles', which would also record any travels and transfers within any of the countries concerned?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission (21 November 1997)

The Commission shares the concern of the Honourable Member regarding the unfortunate sexual abuse of children.

The Europol drugs unit (EDU), the forerunner of Europol, could, on the basis of its mandate in the field of the fight against trafficking in human beings, recommend ways of improving the present situation in the Member States on the basis of the experience gained by those countries which have established specific registers of sexual offenders.

Under the 1997 Daphne initiative a feasibility study is being undertaken on the collection, exchange and use of personal data about child sex offenders in order better to protect children from organised abuse within and across Member States.

The Commission is not at present considering a register of the type proposed by the Honourable Member.