Aideen Hayden (Labour)

I was heartened by the Minister's speech. He has raised a number of very important points. We in this House must ask ourselves why we are here today. We are here because the Minister made a commitment that was not adhered to. Ministers who come to the Seanad will be much more cautious about giving commitments to Members than they were in the past. The lesson is that if a Minister finds himself or herself where he or she is not able to adhere to a commitment then he or she might warn the House in advance of that failure and request more time to deal with it.

I read the literature on trafficking and prostitution and the previous statements of various Senators. I found myself in agreement with the intentions that Senators outlined in their statements. I do not think that anybody would disagree. We are all ad idem on the evils of trafficking and prostitution but there is lack of balance in the debate. The focus is on the criminalisation of the purchase of sex but very little attention is given to the social and economic reasons that people engage in prostitution. We should give this some attention during the consultation process. I am sure Senators are aware of the radio interviews on this subject that have taken place in the past number of months. One interview stood out, where a woman who had difficulties paying her mortgage on the family home engaged in prostitution to pay the bills. Unfortunately, the situation came across over the airwaves as both very sad but to some extent as risk free, when she explained to the audience how she managed her business of prostitution. I find it somewhat misleading to the public that most women, or boys and men who engage in prostitution do it because they are poor, by and large, poorly educated or perhaps have drug problems. The way the problem is presented in recent times is not indicative of the social issues around prostitution. The fate of the former managing director of the IMF, Mr. Dominique Strauss-Kahn has not helped in the exposure of the realities of prostitution for most people in Irish society.

I suggest that we need to look at the economic and social issues around prostitution, but I disagree with some of the comment on the lack of need to look at the legal aspect of the issue. An issue close to my heart is the Matrimonial Home Bill 1993, which was struck down on a referral to the President. That legislation sought to equalise the property playing field for women. After it was struck down similar legislation has failed to see the light of day. I would warn those who say we should rush to deal with this issue that we should not. We need to have robust, carefully thought out and very clearly examined legislation. I would not like to see this very worthy piece of legislation face the same fate as the Matrimonial Home Bill.