Results 9,201-9,220 of 14,127 for speaker:David Stanton

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: In regard to the Swedish model, if we accept that sex work is demand-led, it seems logical that a growing demand will see increasing numbers attracted to the work. Some workers are, as Dr. Whitaker observed, attracted into the occupation by free choice. It seems clear, however, that where there is money to be made, there will be people who find themselves coerced or trafficked. The bottom...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: The argument is that reducing demand will reduce the incidence of prostitution, including coerced prostitution. Does Dr. Whitaker agree with that proposition?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: That is not a response to the question I asked, which related specifically to the demand issue. The argument is that if a potential buyer of sex, who could be a man with a wife and children, knows there is a risk that his identity might be made public through discovery by the police, he will be less likely to purchase sex. As demand goes down in this manner, it is argued, the pull factor...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: I expect most economists would say that it does. I thank Dr. Whitaker for her contribution to today's meeting. We are in the midst of a process of examining this issue and will take on board what she has said. I now invite Ms Monica O'Connor to make her presentation. I thank her for her patience thus far.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: Perhaps Dr. Whitaker would answer that first before taking the second question.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: Two questions have been asked, the first on the issue of the sex workers being driven underground and the second on legislating for a minority.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: I ask the Senator to be as brief as possible.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: I thank the Senator for not being controversial. The issue she raises is the legalisation of prostitution for those who need the services.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: Is Dr. Whitaker saying that trafficking is or is not taking place? She said there is a current concern about trafficking into sex work in this country. Is that her concern?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: Does Deputy Corcoran Kennedy wish to say anything further?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: A number of other members have indicated so I urge members to be brief.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: Thank you, Dr. Whitaker. I now invite questions from members, beginning with Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: Before Dr. Whitaker responds, I ask whoever has their telephone switched on to turn if off, as it is interfering with the sound-recording equipment.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: I have two questions. Is there a downside to the Swedish model? There was a reference to women who voluntarily enter this business. You are dealing with people who are subject to domestic violence or who are coerced, trafficked and so forth, but we have received representations from people at the other end of the scale, who say it is voluntary, that it is their human right to do this and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: Is there a downside or anything negative about the Swedish model?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: Thank you for your input. I understand you must leave now. I now invite Dr. Teresa Whitaker from Sex Workers Alliance Ireland to make her presentation.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: I ask members to confine their contributions to asking focused questions. This will allow us to conduct proceedings efficiently.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Review of Legislation on Prostitution: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: The purpose of the meeting is to have discussion with some of those who made a written submission on the review of legislation on prostitution in Ireland. The committee will hear from representatives of six organisations, including Women's Aid, Sex Workers Alliance Ireland, Ms Monica O'Connor, NUI Maynooth and the Irish Feminist Network. I understand Women's Aid representatives must leave...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if all sections of the EPSEN Act 2004 have been fully implemented; if not, the sections of the act which remain to be implemented; the timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1221/13]

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Disability Act Implementation (16 Jan 2013)

David Stanton: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if all sections of the Disability Act 2005 have been fully implemented; if not, the sections of the Act which remain to be implemented; the timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1220/13]