Mary White (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will be as succinct as possible. It is a tragedy that the trafficking of women has been mixed up with the issue of prostitution because they are two entirely separate issues. Every discussion of prostitution becomes emotional and immediately strays into the areas of trafficking. This is seriously hindering efforts to find a solution that addresses the needs of female, male and transgender people who want to work in the sex industry and those who need their services. I am not a psychologist or lawyer but I hope my experience in life has made me a compassionate person. While it is fine for people who are in legitimate sexual relationships, the compassion I feel is for those who need and may have to purchase the services of others. That is my main point.

When this issue came on the radar last year I noted statistics from the police in Sweden showing that the recently introduced Swedish model had resulted in prostitution moving from the main streets into back alleys and caused an increase in violence against women prostitutes. I have seen the relevant figures.

I compliment Dr. Whitaker on her exemplary and rational presentation. She should present her case on "Prime Time". I note she arrived at her conclusions on the basis of research she had carried out. While I do not wish to be controversial, should prostitution be legalised to protect the purchaser of sexual services and the person offering his or her services in cases where the transaction is carried out for health reasons? People clearly have psychological and physical needs.