Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I completely assure the Deputy that the legal obligation to carry out a review of this was taken extraordinarily seriously by my Department. The review was commissioned and an independent expert was appointed. While I share the Deputy's frustration, I have outlined the reasons as to why there was a delay and the additional efforts my Department has made to ensure that the review can be brought to a conclusion as quickly as possible. I am as anxious to receive this review as the Deputy is, and I note her frustration.

While it was for the experts to design the precise methodology for engaging with stakeholders as part of the review, the terms of reference explicitly confirmed that the participation and inclusion of persons engaged in prostitution and those who have been the victims of human trafficking need to be sought. To address the Deputy's point, this was to ensure that the voices of those with lived experiences would be heard. An online survey was used as part of the public consultation process. Written submissions were invited from individuals and stakeholders. The review is being conducted independent of Department. The Department did not review any submission received or participate in any of the engagements. The terms of reference relating to the review are in place. The Deputy is aware that Part 4 of the of Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act introduced two new offences, namely, paying for sexual activity with a prostitute and paying for a sexual activity with a trafficked person.

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