Mr. Liam Doran:

We must accept that there is no protection for the woman involved. That is the problem and what has brought all of these groups together. They believe they are totally excluded. Any legislation which penalises the purchaser gives the women involved the potential for hope and allows them to believe it is possible to get away from it, to believe they are not to blame, that they are not the guilty party and that they can hold their head up and face society rather than be slammed back as some outcast.

I take the Chairman's point. Were legislation to be passed and enacted, one would come to the question of putting it into operation and making it relevant to the people affected by it. There is merit in having a small core of specialised people; the Criminal Assets Bureau has been very effective in this regard and so on. It is about creating a deterrent. Reference was made to penalties. The Swedish model is what we are seeking, but there must be an Irish dimension to it. I am upfront in saying the naming and shaming in an Irish cultural context is a vital part of this. We must ensure the people concerned are seen for what they are. I am referring to those who exploit the weak and the vulnerable.

By this means we can reduce the number who do that. A hard core will remain but the Garda, with the support of legislation, will be able to reduce the numbers still further while enabling exploited women to turn to NGOs for support in rebuilding their lives.