Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 Jul 2003

Vol. 570 No. 2

Written Answers. - Lap-Dancing Clubs.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

480 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of clubs which are licensed to permit lap-dancing here; the criteria required to obtain a licence; the regulations governing the operation of such clubs; the number of clubs raided by the Garda since 1 January 2003; the reason these clubs were raided; his proposals to ensure that such clubs are operating within the law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18377/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell):

Existing legislation does not specifically cover lap-dancing clubs. However, the sale and consumption of intoxicating liquor in these clubs is controlled by the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2000 and by the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2000. Accordingly, such clubs may apply for a licence to the courts. It is therefore open to the Garda Síochána to enter such premises for the purposes of preventing and detecting the violation of any of the provisions of the licensing laws.

The Garda authorities do not consider it appropriate to disclose the number of premises that were inspected by gardaí in their investigation of offences associated with lap-dancing activities, as this investigation is still under way. I am, however, informed that many of the inspections were carried out as part of Operation Quest, and some prosecutions have already commenced as a result of this operation.

As the Deputy may be aware, an EU framework decision on combating trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual or labour exploitation was adopted in July 2002. Legislation is being prepared to up-date the law in this area which will allow for compliance with the instrument.