Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

Before other Deputies speak on the general point, I wish to finalise my comments on amendment No. 5. I am conscious we have only 15 minutes remaining.

I wish to be clear about amendment No. 5 but I will not be putting it to a vote. Section 6 creates a new subsection 2(a) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998. It is a new offence. The key point of the new offence is visible in subsection 2(a). The new offence will be to meet a person for sexual exploitation after two prior contacts. Sexual exploitation is defined as meaning what subsection (3) says, including inducing or coercing a child to participate or observe any activity of a sexual nature. I think that stands alone from the provisions which the Minister has quoted regarding capturing or corralling or whatever other phrase was used. It is a stand-alone provision and I believe my interpretation of it is correct. It shows that both the Minister and I need more time to be quite clear and explicit on these things.

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