Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to apologise on behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, who, as a result of a prior engagement, cannot be present. I thank Deputy Pringle for raising this issue. The Minister indicated to me that he will read the transcripts of the debate because this is an area in which he has a major interest.

Before proceeding, I should state that I will use the terms "prostitute" or "sex worker" during my contribution and I assure the House that I mean no offence by doing so. While some find the term "prostitute" objectionable and prefer to use the expression "sex worker", others object to the latter on the basis that it confers legitimacy on an activity which is unacceptable.

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