As the Deputy is aware, a key purpose of the 2017 Sexual Offences Act was to provide additional protection to persons involved in prostitution, especially vulnerable persons and victims of human trafficking.
It allows those engaged in prostitution to provide information to Gardaí, for instance if they were subjected to violence by clients, without fear of prosecution for selling sexual services. Section 27 of the Act provides for the review to which the Deputy's question refers. As the Deputy is aware, my Department commissioned an independent consultant to undertake this statutory review, the outcome of which is awaited.
I can assure the Deputy that I am anxious to receive the report so that consideration can be given to advancing any recommendations needed to further strengthen protection for those who engage in sexual activity for payment.
In relation to the delay in finalising the report, I can advise the Deputy that the study lead was also working to complete another study which has been finalised and submitted to me and I understand that her attention has now returned to the Part 4 review.
I have also instructed my officials to engage with the study lead to agree a completion date for finalisation of the report, while of course respecting the independence of the review.
I can assure the Deputy that once received, any recommendations made in the report will be considered as a priority.