Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. The Department has offered to meet the group and that has not been taken up, but I am happy to meet the group. The legislation that was passed criminalises the buying of sex, the buying of sex from persons who are trafficked and also criminalises those who manage, organise or own brothels. I accept what the Deputy is saying, that this group might have a different view, but from engaging with various representative groups that support these women, many people are trafficked, though I accept it is not all, and that is why this legislation was passed. There is an inherent contradiction in this particular group's view, compared with the legislation that has been passed and the position that the Government has taken regarding prostitution. I am happy to meet this group. There is no issue with that.

Regarding the review, we have tasked Maura Butler with reviewing the legislation after three years. There has been a slight delay with Covid, the formation of the Government and the fact that Ms Butler is undertaking another review on familicide. That review is continuing. I spoke to her this week. I will meet her again in the next few weeks to see if she will need any additional support or measures. In that review, she is undertaking to determine whether this legislation has caused any harm to these vulnerable women. As the Deputy outlined, there are some suggestions that this makes women more vulnerable. With this legislation, we are trying to protect them, not cause them more harm. This review will examine whether it has created any challenges for women in this situation. If this group wishes to meet me, I have no problem doing so.

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