Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2020
156. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will ensure that voices of sex workers, including a group (details supplied), are included in the review of the sex work legislation. [16320/20]
View answerPart 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 is being reviewed this year. This review arises under the provisions of the Act itself, and will include an assessment of the impact of the Act on the welfare of those who engage in sexual activity for payment.
I recently announced the launch of this review, which will be conducted by Maura Butler as the independent expert. The Terms of Reference for the review are available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Terms_of_Reference_-_S7a_ReviewCJ(SO)Act_2017.pdf/Files/Terms_of_Reference_-_S7a_ReviewCJ(SO)Act_2017.pdf.
The goal of the legislation is to protect vulnerable persons. In that context, the review will include consideration of whether further measures are needed to strengthen protection for persons who engage in sexual activity for payment.
The review will be conducted in an open and consultative manner and will take a broad approach to ensure consideration of the full range of issues raised in relation to the purchase of sex can be examined in the context of the review.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the means for consultation with stakeholders will need to take account of the current context of the Covid-19 pandemic. However the review will involve discussions with a wide range of stakeholders and the Terms of Reference explicitly confirm that the participation and inclusion of persons engaged in prostitution and persons who have been victims of human trafficking will be sought. The independent Expert will design the precise methodologies in this regard and further details will be announced at the appropriate time.
An online survey will be launched shortly as part of a public consultation process. In addition, written submissions are invited from any individual or stakeholder who wishes to share their views, addressing the Terms of Reference. Such submissions may be made to the email address: <s7areview@justice.ie > before 9 August 2020. Additional information on the consultation and review is available on my Department's website at the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Review_of_the_Operation_of_Part_4_of_the_Criminal_Law_(Sexual_Offences)_Act_2017
