The names and addresses of sex offenders could soon become available to members the public.

The Department of Justice and Equality said that a law change is on the way which would see the personal details of convicted sex offenders released in the interests of public safety.

The disclosure may be made where the offender in question poses a threat of committing a sexual offence again.

According to a statement from the Department of Justice and Equality, the disclosure “shall only be made to the minimum number of persons necessary to avoid such threat.

“Before a disclosure is made, and where it is possible, the offender shall be informed of the intention to make the disclosure.

“The disclosure will not be made if the person agrees to act so that the threat no longer exists.

“The circumstances in which the disclosure may be made … could include disclosure to individual parents who enter a relationship with a convicted child sex offender who is considered to pose a threat as outlined above.”

Some residents of Rathcoole, Dublin, told a reporter that they would want to know if someone convicted of a sex offence moved into their neighbourhood.

“Every school should know, every kid should know, every parent – it’s worrying,” said one.

Another said: “If you’re definitely convicted of a sex offence, everybody should know.”

Asked if he worried about the prospect of vigilantism, he responded: “Well, I think that maybe the Gardaí should sort this out, but I’d like to know [if] they’re living beside me, simple as that.”