Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to have an opportunity to speak to the Bill. Sinn Féin supports the Turn Off the Red Light campaign, which the party discussed at length at our recent Ard-Fheis. The Bill needs to be matched with resources if it is to make a difference to those who are trapped in prostitution, most of whom are women. Our efforts to protect and support the individuals involved in prostitution, which is sometimes described as sex work, must be inclusive.

Legislation in this area must promote the health, safety, civil and human rights of the workers in question, including their rights to live free from violence, intimidation, coercion, exploitation etc., and to receive high quality care health and other services they require on a confidential basis. Deputy Mac Lochlainn has outlined, in quite graphic detail, the situations in which some of these people find themselves. The services must be provided without discrimination or judgment. Our laws and services must recognise and support the rights of individuals involved in sex work, particularly women. Unfortunately, it is mainly women who are trapped in the type of circumstances to which reference has been made. The debate on this matter and many of the issues relating to it can be difficult and sometimes uncomfortable. In order that we might engage in an open and honest debate, we must ensure it takes place in a respectful way. In tackling the drugs issue we have learned that one excludes people at one's peril. Part of the success of the national drugs strategy relates to its inclusiveness. Those in authority ensured that the voice of those communities most affected by the drugs crisis, including drug users and service users, were heard. The same approach must be taken to this matter.

We must also deal with the issues which force people into prostitution. Those who become involved in prostitution predominantly come from low-income communities. In most cases and as a result of their economic circumstances, people are forced into prostitution or what is described as sex work. We must deal with that matter. Since the collapse of the Celtic tiger, increasing numbers of women have been badly impacted upon by the prevailing economic circumstances. We must address that fact and the other issues which force people into particular situations. People who are trapped in prostitution or sex work must have full access to the necessary services. In certain instances, the support services need to have access to them. If a group of people become difficult to reach, this could have serious consequences. We must ensure that people do not become isolated because this makes them more vulnerable to exploitation. As legislators, we must ensure that people do not become out of reach of society.

There is a need to acknowledge the impact of human trafficking. Unfortunately, human trafficking is occurring in this State and young women have been brought to many provincial towns, including where I live, in order that they might be exploited for the gratification of men and make profits for those who are orchestrating this activity. In order that we might avoid making people even more vulnerable, a policy of harm reduction must be put in place. One practical step would be the introduction of what is known as the "Ugly Mugs" scheme in order to improve safety. As part of this scheme, gardaí and those in the trade would work closely together to improve safety. The scheme in question was pioneered in Liverpool and was endorsed by England's Association of Chief Police Officers in 2011. It has proved very successful in protecting sex workers - mainly women - and it provides police with much needed information on criminals and other violent individuals. This partnership approach ensures women in the trade are encouraged to report violent incidents and the records are used to identify dangerous individuals and to disseminate the necessary information among police officers. I urge the Minister for Justice and Equality to consider introducing a scheme along these lines.

The Bill before the House is extremely important. I am interested in the evidence brought back from Sweden by those who travelled to investigate the position which obtains there. This issue must be tackled and it can no longer be swept under the carpet.

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