Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I totally agree that legislation is needed but the core issue is broader and concerns violence against women and exploitation. There is a strong Garda Síochána element to the resolution of the problem. We need the resources to treat this issue as a major criminal problem in Irish society. Gangs running cigarettes and drugs rackets are also involved in prostitution. Society must deal with these people and with other major security issues. We can have all the legislation we want but we must also rescue these people. There is a major security element needed from the Garda Síochána. In debates inside and outside the Dáil, the issue of prostitution is not taken seriously. Do the witnesses agree? Do they agree that we must focus resources on treating these people, who are exploiting people, as criminals?