Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

The Minister of State questioned it. The Department's own figures show that one in five of the potential victims of trafficking are minors, some of whom have come through the hostel system. These are the Department's own figures in respect of this issue. When I raised this issue with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform last week to ascertain what discussions had taken place with the HSE, it transpired that nothing has taken place.

In April 2008, when the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, was Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, he said that he would examine the prostitution laws here in the context of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill. When Deputy James Bannon raised that issue in the House last week, the Taoiseach said the legislation was forthcoming next year but the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform did not mention a word about it last night during the debate, not a dicky bird.

Norway was forced to take action when the prostitution industry moved across the border from Sweden following the criminalisation of the purchase of sexual services. The United Kingdom is tightening its laws on prostitution. Next year, the Scottish Parliament will consider criminalising outright the purchase of sexual activities. We cannot allow Ireland to become the new red light district for the United Kingdom or any other part of Europe. Instead, let us work with our colleagues in Scotland, Norway and Sweden and outlaw this industry once and for all and send out a clear message. I commend the motion to the House.

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