15. —In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires—

“applicant” means a member of the Garda Síochána not below the rank referred to in section 16 who has applied to the court for the making of a sex offender order and, in relation to such an order that is in force, means any member of the Garda Síochána;

“court” means the Circuit Court;

“respondent” means a person in respect of whom an application for a sex offender order has been made or in respect of whom such an order has been made;

“sex offender order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 16.