Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

To be clear, the Minister is introducing a fine as a way of penalty for the person who is purchasing the sex and in parts of this Bill she is introducing a prison sentence for the sex worker. I do not know if the Minister has read it, but that is what she is actually doing here in the guise of protecting the sex worker on the ground. This is a very good legislation that should be passed unanimously by the Dáil, but it cannot be passed because of these two pages regarding the criminalisation of the purchase of sex. It will do absolutely nothing to lead to better safety for the sex worker.

I will conclude by referring to what the sex workers themselves have said. They stated: "We think it unacceptable that under S. 24(b) people who are found guilty of paying for sexual services are subjected to a fine yet if the sex worker who provides the service is found guilty of working indoors with another person or of returning to a public place after being directed to leave by Gardaí they can face fines and/or a prison sentence." Where is the protection for the sex worker in that?

Many organisations, including Amnesty International, have pointed out that this model is a failed model. It is not a model to follow. In addition, other organisations have pointed out that it will lead to health and safety concerns.

I am saying to the Minister we should work on this as women. There is talk of a caucus in this House. We should work together to pass this legislation, which is excellent legislation in regard to the protection of children and all the sections the Minister has brought in. We should leave out these sections and come back to them on another day in a more reasonable and rational manner.

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