Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have some brief questions. I thank the delegates for their presentation. I will be honest. I read the submission and it was the first time I have encountered this part of the sex industry in the context of the discussion we have been having. It is very useful.

What percentage of the overall sex market is homosexual? A rough idea will do; I just want to understand the market.

What percentage of individuals would be trafficked? Is the number of men being trafficked lower than the number of women? I presume it is but is the figure available? Is pimping commonplace with men offering sex to other men? In the context of the discussion, I understand the dilemma and we will probably face the same dilemma in reaching a decision on the Swedish approach, as Senator Bacik has correctly called it, when we present our report to the Minister. The dilemma is whether to criminalise the users and thus release the providers to choose to avail of the support which clearly they require and are not being offered coherently. Perhaps there is an attempt to offer the kinds of support they require but clearly we are not doing enough.

I think I need to do a great deal more reading on the issue of trafficking, which I hope to do in the next few weeks. Do the witnesses have a view on the Swedish approach to the solution of the problem?