Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms O'Connor for her presentation and I regret that more members of the committee were not here for it, not only because Ms O'Connor is the author of what I believe is very significant research into this area in Ireland but also because of the way she very helpfully explained the two primary approaches we are examining. Her comments really added value to the submissions she has made.

I have a question on the submissions by Dr. Whitaker and others regarding the recommendations that have emanated from the UN that favour a legalisation model as distinct from the Swedish model of criminalising the buyer. My understanding is that the reports that have been referred to, the ones that emanated from the UN, do not necessarily speak on behalf of the UN, completely and utterly, and other pieces of UN legislation or reports offer a different analysis and recommendation. I ask the delegation to say a few words about that because it would benefit the committee and it is important to put it on public record.