Mr. Paul Maguire:

We were concerned in a number of instances. During the course of making the programme we were in communication with Ruhama on a very regular basis. When anything happened which caused us concern we spoke to Ruhama who in turn were in touch with the Garda Síochána.

On the question about people getting out of prostitution, on a number of occasions individuals to whom we spoke told us about getting in touch with gardaí. It must be understood that the individuals perceive they are under the control of others. I know from our communications with Ruhama that they work very closely with the gardaí. On a regular basis people who are found working as prostitutes in brothels are offered the opportunity to get out of the business. They are offered services with Ruhama but they do not take up the offer. The Garda Síochána would be better placed to explain that process to the committee. In many cases the people we spoke to feel incarcerated and trapped. They feel they cannot get out. They are afraid. In one case, we spoke to a person whose family in eastern Europe was threatened if she did not work in this particular area. From talking to the women I imagine it is not easy to escape from the life.