Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I am opposed to the amendments at this stage. However, in view of the eloquence of the arguments put forward by Deputies Rabbitte and Naughten, I am willing to look at the narrow amendment proposed and to make that statement in the legislation. I remain doubtful as to whether there will be successful prosecutions. However, given the horrific character of the phenomenon of trafficking, I see no harm in providing for such an offence.

I would like time to reflect on the question of whether the inclusion of these proposals could mean a victim of trafficking is prejudiced in that a person availing of his or her services might be in a better position to offer assistance if he or she were not committing an offence. However, I am open to the amendments. It should be borne in mind that where sexual relations are with a person under the age of 17 years, that is in itself an offence. The proposed offence, therefore, would apply in respect of persons over the age of 17.

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