Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I pointed out that the committee held lengthy hearings on prostitution at the request of the Minister for Justice and Equality who had, as Senator Norris is aware, initiated a review of prostitution law. The hearings specifically examined the issue of prostitution and investigated the Swedish approach. The Department held a conference attended by several members of the committee and representatives from different countries which take different approaches to prostitution. The joint committee subsequently made its recommendations. We have, therefore, interrogated the issue. The focus of today's proceedings - perhaps the rapporteur may clarify the position - is domestic violence and gender based or sexual violence. This is distinct from the issue of prostitution as violence, which the joint committee has considered and addressed.