David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In regard to the Swedish model, if we accept that sex work is demand-led, it seems logical that a growing demand will see increasing numbers attracted to the work. Some workers are, as Dr. Whitaker observed, attracted into the occupation by free choice. It seems clear, however, that where there is money to be made, there will be people who find themselves coerced or trafficked. The bottom line is that rising demand creates a pull factor. The Swedish delegates who appeared before the committee made the case that if one can tackle the demand, fewer and fewer people will be coerced into sex work and there will no longer be the push of the euro, dollar or krona. In a situation where substantial profits are being made by traffickers, pimps and others, reducing demand would reduce the incidence of coercion. Will Dr. Whitaker comment on that?