Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Is the current provision of sexual services in Ireland not underground anyway? Does the Sex Workers Alliance Ireland support the Dutch model of regulation and legalisation of the sex industry? Does it consider the work of Ruhama and Turn Off the Red Light as misguided?

In support of Senator Bacik's remarks, the evidence we have obtained, particularly from the Swedish police, was that trafficking of women primarily, although not exclusively, has declined. Trafficking is perhaps the major problem we face. It was mentioned there was an increase in Norway from 52% to 59%. Surely that is not an alarming increase?

A compassionate approach on the part of the State to the sex industry was mentioned. Does that mean that we turn a blind eye, as we have so often done in the past?