Vol. 481 No. 3
41 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the recently published report of the Eastern Health Board working group on child prostitution in Dublin; the plans, if any, he has for initiatives to deal with this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15931/97]
I am aware of this report which is being studied in my Department at present. The report, which was commissioned by the Eastern Health Board, is a challenging and disturbing document. Many of its findings are in line with research undertaken on this topic in other jurisdictions. The report identifies a strong link between homelessness and prostitution; it also identifies the routes by which children enter prostitution and it suggests possible ways of responding to the problem. The report states very clearly that child prostitution should be seen as child sexual abuse and the perpetrator should always be seen as a child sex offender and it is important not to lose sight of this fact. The question of taking action on foot of this report is primarily a matter for the Eastern Health Board and discussions will take place between the chief executive officer of the board and officials of my Department in regard to the findings and recommendations of the report.
