Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 48: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to address the proliferation of brothels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21855/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that they have conducted a number of operations to combat brothel keeping, prostitution and human trafficking. The Garda will continue to conduct such operations, in line with the intelligence available to it. A recent investigation by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, in conjunction with a number of other police forces, resulted in the apprehension in another jurisdiction of individuals suspected of brothel-keeping in this country. The operation led to the seizure of a substantial volume of evidence. Cash and other property discovered during the operation will be the subject of a proceeds of crime application to the courts. Similar operations are being and will continue to be carried out. I emphasise that the criminal law relating to brothel keeping is strong. I am aware of concerns that people are being trafficked for the purposes of prostitution. The Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 has greatly strengthened the law in this area. A dedicated anti-human trafficking unit was established in my Department in February 2008 to ensure that the State's response to human trafficking is co-ordinated and comprehensive. In addition, the Garda has recently established a human trafficking investigation and co-ordination unit. My Department recently received the report of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, Globalisation, Sex Trafficking and Prostitution - The Experiences of Migrant Women in Ireland. The report is extensive in scope. I have asked the anti human trafficking unit to examine the report, its findings and its recommendations. When this examination is completed, I will consider what further action might be necessary arising from the report.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister for his response. He will be aware that one of the headline figures identified by the Immigrant Council of Ireland estimates that the sex industry in Ireland is worth approximately €180 million per annum. It is clear that there is a connection between brothel-keeping and criminal activity. The most recent report of the Independent Monitoring Commission, which was published on 7 May last, suggested that the Continuity IRA is involved in this industry. A crackdown on brothel-keeping and prostitution is taking place in other parts of Europe. Red light districts in the Netherlands are being reduced by one third because the authorities in that country have decided that their liberal policies are failing. New legislation that is being introduced in the UK will lead to a clampdown in that country. Unless we are prepared to tighten this country's laws, there could be a growth in this industry here. Does the Minister have any specific proposals for dealing with the threat that might result from the curtailment of these activities in other EU member states?

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I assure the House that this country's legislation in respect of brothel-keeping and the sex industry in general is strict and strong. I will not mention all the legislative provisions that are in place. The Garda has been very active in this area. A number of operations, including Operation Hotel, Operation Quest, Operation Snow and Operation Boulder, have been ongoing over recent years. They have focused in particular on non-Irish nationals who have been brought to this State for the purpose of employment in the sex industry. The Garda has been working quite successfully with its European counterparts in this respect. The Deputy is right to highlight the use by criminal gangs of the sex industry to increase their ill-gotten gains. The Garda is extremely conscious of the need to cross-reference when it is dealing with this issue.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Is the Minister concerned that the crackdown on this industry in the UK, including Northern Ireland, will lead to an increase in this activity in this country? One of the conclusions of Operation Quest was that mobile phones are the lifeblood of this country's brothel-keeping and prostitution industry. If certain mobile numbers were to be taken off this country's mobile phone system, that would immediately close down a huge proportion of that industry. Will the Minister ensure that such a step is taken to curtail the proliferation of the industry?

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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That is something the Garda can look at.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Looking at it is no good.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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What was the other issue the Deputy asked about?

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I also asked about the impact of the new UK legislative proposals on this jurisdiction.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Gardaí work closely with their colleagues on the other side of the Border and elsewhere in the UK.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Is the Minister concerned?

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I would not like to fuel the perception that Ireland has a more lax regime, in some way, than the UK.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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We will have a more lax regime.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Garda works closely with its counterparts across the Border and elsewhere in the UK, in particular. It also works with police forces on the Continent.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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There will be a major loophole if this legislation goes through.