Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I listened with interest to Dr. Freedman's presentation. It probably came from a different perspective from that to which we have been exposed in regard to the Norwegian or Swedish model, which is also in place in Iceland and other countries. This committee is trying to garner evidence to see what we can do about the problem. There are dark sides, such as the terrible situation of women being trafficked for prostitution and the safety of women in many instances. We do not have the Swedish model or the Amsterdam model; in one sense, it is a sort of underground and turn-a-blind-eye model.

What would Dr. Freedman say to the committee, which has no particular agenda, on the introduction of laws or regulations which would make it better for society? Does he feel a Swedish model is unlikely to work? Would he suggest what is done in Amsterdam and other cities, where the industry is very transparent, workers are registered and so on? What could we do to stop the terrible trauma and crime of trafficking women and the exploitation of women? How can we protect women without damaging the workers?

I accept some of what Dr. Freedman said in regard to the effect on men who have addictions or psychological difficulties. I am not saying I condone it, but Dr. Freedman, as a medical person, has dealt with such people. What should this committee do to make the situation in Ireland better?