Ms Orla O'Connor:

Some of those views were expressed. The important point in terms of where the National Women's Council of Ireland is coming from and discussions among members is that prostitution was viewed within the context of violence against women. That was the strongest element in coming to the view and giving us a mandate and the overwhelming support for the motion with regard to our involvement in the Turn Off The Red Light campaign. Part of the analysis is about where women come from in terms of entering prostitution, which is socio-economic disadvantage, poverty, debt, a history of abuse, and neglect. Given the diversity of our membership, it is important that it is seen in the context of violence against women and moving on to supporting a particular model, which is the Swedish model.