I can confirm to the Deputy that I have arranged to meet representatives of the Sex Workers Alliance of Ireland. An appointment was made on 24 October and is scheduled to take place shortly.
My Department has sought the views of all sides of the debate concerning the future direction of prostitution legislation.
In June 2012, my Department published a discussion document on the future direction of legislation which was then referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. The publication of the document was followed by a conference organised by my Department, in October 2012, which heard from all sides of the debate. My Department has also received numerous correspondence and emails concerning this debate, the contents of which were noted and replied to.
The Joint Oireachtas Committee also conducted a public consultation process independently and published its report in June 2013.
Based on the outcome of these consultations, the review of prostitution laws continues. As you will be aware, prostitution raises a wide spectrum of issues and when I have fully considered the matter, I will bring legislative proposals to Government in the usual manner.
