Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I would have been happier had we managed to reduced the time to two years. The Minister probably considered the possibility of doing so. Her amendment reads "shall, not later than 3 years", so there is no legal barrier to her producing a report within two years if the data exist. If she could give a commitment to that effect, I would be willing to withdraw my amendment.

Something that is missing from the Minister's amendment that is contained in all the others is the provision relating to "evidence of the extent to which this section has operated to reduce human trafficking". We were told that combatting trafficking and brothel keeping was one of the rationales for introducing this legislation. Any report that is laid before us should at least reference this, given how it has played a central role in the reasoning behind the section.

I welcome the fact that the report will assess the impact of the section's operation on the safety and well-being of persons who engage in sexual activity for payment. This important provision is contained in all of the amendments.

I am willing to withdraw my amendment if the Minister can commit to producing a report after two years, if possible.

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