Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality
Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion
3:50 pm
Ms Sarah Benson:
I do not believe so. Everything the Deputy has outlined is happening right now and we are not coping well, as the sex trade is growing and resources have not been targeted. We must prioritise the issue. There are some dedicated Garda resources and we have lobbied the Garda and the Department for increased and dedicated responses to the vice trade, which incorporates trafficking and organised prostitution. Currently there is a small unit but it needs further dedication. Notwithstanding this, everything described by the Deputy is happening right now, and the sex trade is currently growing. We are still considered a highly attractive and profitable market.