Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 November 2014
289. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when she expects the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality in relation to sex trafficking laws to be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42829/14]
View answer309. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on a submission (details supplied) regarding the introduction of legislation on prostitution and trafficking for exploitation; if legislation will be published during this parliamentary term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43084/14]
View answer313. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding proposed legislation to deal with sex trafficking and prostitution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43152/14]
View answer319. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will address the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43280/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 289, 309, 313 and 319 together.
As the Deputies are aware, there is an ongoing debate as to the approach to be adopted in tackling the exploitation associated with prostitution. There are a wide range of issues involved which require consideration and any proposals will be brought to Government in the usual way.
In terms of the trafficking of persons for prostitution and sexual exploitation, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the existing legislative provisions addressing the trafficking of persons for the purposes of exploitation (including sexual exploitation) which can attract significant penalties. The Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 prohibits trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation. Any person found guilty of such an offence shall be liable to imprisonment for life or a lesser term, and at the discretion of the court, to a fine. It is also an offence for a person to solicit or importune a trafficked person for the purposes of prostitution with a potential penalty of imprisonment for up to 5 years and-or a fine.
There are also provisions in our criminal law directed at the public nuisances and exploitation associated with prostitution. Solicitation, by both the client and the prostitute, living on the earnings of prostitution, organising prostitution and running a brothel are all offences under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993.
