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

The challenge here is that we have legislation that criminalises the buying of sex and those who run brothels. I have spoken with officials at great length and inquired myself. This particular organisation does not agree with the idea that it should be criminalised and that this is something that potentially exploits women and girls. A significant number of women who find themselves in this position are trafficked. We have to acknowledge that. There would be a contradiction if the Department gave funding to an organisation that does not believe in the approach that we are taking and the legislation that has been passed.

That is what I mean when I say it is not in line with the ethics or values of the Department, which clearly were agreed by the House when it passed the legislation. Of course, we want to support any person who is in a vulnerable position. We have seen over the past few months that when it comes to domestic violence and sexual violence persons who are in vulnerable positions have become more vulnerable. We are trying to reach out to those through the many organisations that have been funded. However, there is an inherent contradiction here in that this group does not believe it should be criminalised, and that is where the challenge lies. Again, I can give a commitment that I am happy to meet and talk to the group.

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