Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

They are statements of welcome and encouragement. I encourage Ms Logan and wish to ask her a couple of questions, apart from the question on the direct provision system.

There is an ongoing debate about prostitution. I compliment Senator Katherine Zappone on playing a leading role in producing the committee report that is now with the Government. It is an issue I have taken up also in this term and my first term as a Senator. The question is how we should look at prostitution and whether, as part of tackling human trafficking, it is necessary for us as a society to criminalise the users of persons involved in prostitution. That is a human rights issue of first importance. I do not see how we can have a culture that respects human rights and human dignity when the purchase of one person by another in that way can be tolerated as a mere matter of contract.

I accept that Ms Logan cannot take on every issue. These are very early days for her and she has yet to prepare her programme of work. I am also aware that she will return to the committee. Does she see this issue as one that is likely to cross her desk? There is some evidence of progress. Some of us met the EU anti-trafficking co-ordinator yesterday. An input from the commission might very well be of assistance in driving the issue.