A legal “loophole” is allowing dangerous criminals to change their names by deed poll to remain anonymous, Aontú has warned.

People who change their names might no longer be traceable in Google searches or Garda vetting to crimes they committed under their former alias.

Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show, Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said there are a number of “logical reasons” why someone would change their name but also “significant evidence” the process is being abused by people keen to avoid scrutiny of their pasts.

“There was evidence given to an Oireachtas Committee in 2022, which basically stated that it was pretty much standard that convicted sex offenders were changing their names by deed poll to basically ensure they could avoid being monitored by people,” Deputy Tóibín said. 

“I think that if a person has committed a violent crime or sexual crime, that people should be able to check to see if that is the case. 

“Whether you’re getting into a working relationship or a personal relationship, I think you should be able to find out what is the background of that individual.” 

Peadar Tóibín. Image:Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Deputy Tóibín some criminals have even been known to change their name while still in prison and they are under no obligation to make people aware of their previous identity. 

“If they have passports or other documents in their old name, they do obviously have to update those documents after a while with their new deed poll name,” he said. 

“After that, they do not have to bring that old name or record to the attention of who they are engaging with. 

“There’s many cases of criminals who committed maybe three or four offences for assaulting women, going to prison, coming out of prison, changing their name by deed poll, moving to another part of the country and then committing another assault against women again.” 

The Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin.

Deputy Tóibín said he would support legislation on this issue if it were brought before the Oireachtas. 

“I think the Government should get rid of the loophole where violent criminals and sexual offenders can change their names in this manner,” he said. 

The minimum cost of changing your name by deed poll is €60.

Main image: A woman in handcuffs.