Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I met and held discussions with representatives of the sex workers association. I also examined all the research on this issue. The Council of Europe and European Parliament, for example, did a large amount of research and the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality examined and made recommendations on the matter. While I accept that there are different views and reports on the issue, I have outlined the reasons I have taken my decision. The Assembly in the North introduced similar legislation which was supported by a large majority. This is the right direction in which to move in terms of an all-island response.

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