Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I do not believe the debate is one-sided. I agree absolutely that we must look at the broader issues. There is no doubt about this. However, the issue is what can we realistically include in legislation as opposed to what is part of broader social policy issues that need to be addressed. I do not accept Deputy Clare Daly's characterisation of the Government as being uninterested in social issues. In fact, it is very difficult to invest in infrastructure if one does not have an economy that will support it. We have to address the factors that impact on prostitution and part of addressing the pull factor is looking at criminalising the demand which would undermine the market for prostitution. I have not heard her talking about it, but the Deputy needs to examine the market and demand for prostitution. I will not reopen the debate, but there is a great deal of evidence I can cite and which the committee examined in a very comprehensive way which suggests this is a positive way forward. I accept that it is a complex issue and that there are different arguments, but in terms of what we have seen in other countries and the increasing number of countries that have moved in this direction, there are guidelines in place for how we should approach the issue which is complex and in respect of which there are many factors. Of course, the question as to why women end up in prostitution involves a great many factors. Most people who study the issue agree that they include poverty. Certainly, the evidence suggests that for many of the women about whom the Deputy was speaking who work on their own, there are serious issues of addiction for which they need help. It is to feed that habit that they engage in prostitution. I agree with the Deputy that helping them is about providing services for them to receive treatment for their drug addiction. I agree that we need to address all of the other factors that leave women susceptible to exploitation through prostitution, whether it be addiction, lack of employment or another reason. Support services need to be targeted and we have to prioritise the provision of supports. I agree with Deputy Ruth Coppinger that this goes hand in hand with the legislation, but I cannot accept the amendments.