Improving public safety is the reason the Government's giving for legislation extending the use of electronic monitoring of offenders and parolees.

Parliament's debated the first reading of legislation enabling the move.

Corrections Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga says the Bill is about improving the safety of victims and the public.

He says it will advance the protection of women, particularly those who are subject to protection orders.

"Secondly, stalking offenders. These types of devices will limit the abilities of stalkers who are released on conditions to go anywhere near their previous victims."