Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I second the Government's amendment. I commend Senator Zappone and the other Independent Senators who, six months after a similar motion was tabled in the House, have brought this matter to our attention again. The Government's amendment is conciliatory and adequately addresses the actions called for by the Independent Senators. Every right-minded person agrees that curbing prostitution and preventing the trafficking of women for the purpose of prostitution are necessary. The Government is committed to developing effective and appropriate responses to deal with these issues. It is an unfortunate reality that Ireland is part of a globalised industry that mostly exploits women and girls, but also some men and boys. These victims are experiencing a serious form of human rights abuse. The methods used to dupe many of them into such a situation are callous and underhanded. Many are lured by promises of jobs or education, only to find that on arrival at their destinations, they are relieved of their passports and locked in captivity where they are under the continuous threat of physical violence and forced into prostitution.

While it is difficult to estimate the numbers involved in this industry in Ireland, it is a lucrative one and it is only right and proper that those profiting from it should be pursued and prevented from earning a living from such dreadful methods. An Garda Síochána is committed to targeting proactively groups and individuals involved in organised crime, including prostitution. Within the Departments of Justice and Equality and Social Protection, the HSE and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, dedicated units are charged with tackling various aspects of the issue. This co-ordinated approach confirms the Government's commitment to addressing the matter in a proactive and decisive manner.

I commend RTE on its "Profiting from Prostitution" programme, which brought the issue home to everyone and painted a picture of what was occurring. I urge all Senators to support the Government amendment so that the Chamber can send a strong collective message to the effect that we support the co-operation of the State agencies in protecting victims, apprehending perpetrators and bringing the latter to justice. I commend the Minister, Deputy Shatter, on his stance and on his intention to publish a discussion document on the future direction of prosecution legislation before the end of May. Like him, I look forward to the outcome of the consultation process. He has indicated that he will bring legislative proposals to the Government after that process. I commend the amendment to the House.