Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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I move amendment No. 23:

In page 19, between lines 18 and 19, to insert the following: “Review of supports and exit services for sex workers that report traffickers or organisers of prostitution to the Gardaí and/or them in prosecutions

27. The Minister for Justice and Equality is to report on the additional procedures and supports that should be available for the protection and assistance of sex workers who report traffickers, organisers of prostitution, and pimps and brothel-owners to the Gardaí, particularly in relation to Garda protection, regularisation of immigration status, financial compensation, access to employment, training and other exit services, within six months of the enactment of this Bill.”.

As the Minister did not really refer to this amendment, let me make one point on it. It concerns helping women who have been arrested but who have clearly been trafficked, deceived or forced into sex work. Something must be introduced to at least give an incentive to the women concerned to try to target the traffickers. The Minister did not refer to this issue, although she did refer to education. We cannot deal with it using legal measures. We must change sexist attitudes and the idea that it is okay to purchase sex, an idea that is being promoted. I have later amendments that I can move on Report Stage on sexist attitudes in society and education in schools on these matters. We must assist those who have clearly been trafficked. This does not apply to all but some sex workers.