Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I suggest that this section represents the continuation of a pattern of direct harassment of individual sex workers who are deemed to be "acting in a manner which consists of loitering in a public place". There is widespread agreement that this section should be deleted because it is not beneficial to anybody. If we are serious about the so-called Swedish model, which I do not think is what we are providing for in this Bill in any case, it is wrong for us to maintain the harassment and prosecution of individual women. I understood that the Minister was considering the removal of this section. Perhaps she can clarify the matter.