A convicted British paedophile who arrived in Dublin on Tuesday from Holyhead was being questioned by the Garda last night. It is understood the man was asked to return to Britain, though the Garda have no powers to make him if he refuses.
The Garda learned of his presence in Ireland from British police. Last month, the British introduced a national register to collate the names and addresses of all convicted sex offenders. It is intended that sex offenders will be compelled to inform the police if they change their name or address.
Garda sources have expressed concern that British paedophiles may come to Ireland to escape this requirement. The man is believed to have stayed in a hostel in Dublin on Tuesday night. He was brought to Pearse Street Garda station yesterday morning and questioned by detectives.