Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I could not agree more with the Deputy on her points about general attitudes and what sustains the industry. She is right and it is good to hear it being said, given that it is the reality. There will be specific sections in new legislation to protect victims of trafficking when giving evidence. The Department of Justice and Equality has provided a guide to procedures for victims of human trafficking. There is a lot of contact with the section in my Department dealing with human trafficking and the Garda to ensure we provide the best protections for women found to be involved in prostitution but who are victims of human trafficking, which is the point the Deputy made. There is a very proactive approach to protecting them, in the first instance, and then supporting them. The new legislation will introduce new measures to support them when giving evidence which can be very dangerous for them.