Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2014
274. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to introduce laws targeting sex buyers in order to help to end exploitation, abuse and trafficking, in view of the recommendations of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on this matter last year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37795/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra284. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the report and recommendations from the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality regarding prostitution; if she will introduce laws targeting sex buyers to end exploitation, abuse and trafficking; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37865/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 274 and 284 together.
I am examining the recommendations made by the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, the advices of the Attorney General and the views of the Minister for Health regarding a new approach to prostitution legislation.
As the Deputy is aware, prostitution raises a wide range of issues and when I have had the opportunity to complete consideration of the issues, any proposals will be brought to Government.
I would also draw 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.
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.
