Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Yes; the Deputy is right. It is a term of imprisonment of five years, but the fine has actually been increased to €22,000 on conviction on indictment.

On amendment No. 13, I appreciate that Deputy Ruth Coppinger is seeking to introduce a tougher penalty for the offence of organising prostitution. I agree with her, but a specific fine of €1,000,000 would be out of step with the more recent approach to penalties for indictable offences. The correct approach would be to simply state a fine, without specifying a maximum. That is the usual approach adopted in legislation of this type. However, I agree in principle with the introduction of tougher penalties for the organisers of prostitution and will certainly bring forward an amendment to that effect on Report Stage. The Deputy might consider whether she is satisfied with the amendment I will propose. However, I note that it would be out of line with the approach adopted in legislation to specify a maximum amount. I will bring forward an amendment which the Deputy can consider.