Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

In 1991, I dealt with these people in their setting up of Ruhama, and there was then great opposition to that organisation and what was perceived as nefarious work being done. It was not at all, and the work was much needed. They were pioneers in endeavouring to save young women. In the short three-month period I was responsible for the health portfolio, I remember being able to give them a small grant to buy a van. They set up their counselling service not to castigate, but to try to make friends with the women on the streets of Dublin. They have done powerful work in a modern sense and I commend them greatly.

The Senator's main point was why we are not bringing forward legislation to tackle the sex trade industry globally. As I understand it, the Minister has issued heads of a Bill. I have a well thought out and advised Bill which was fully approved by our parliamentary party, but out of deference to the Minister I put it to one side when the heads of his Bill were published. I believed the legislation would follow, but I will now produce the Bill I have. I hope we can take it here.

Senator Hayes also asked about the advice of the Attorney General on the St. Andrews Agreement being published. The Senator knows as well as I that the advice of Attorneys General is not published, but Government moves in accordance with such advice. I was in London yesterday on the occasion of Peter Hain, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, bringing forward the Bill on the St. Andrews Agreement. It received all-party support and passed through all Stages in the House of Commons.

The Senator also asked about the Criminal Law (Home Defence) Bill. Senator Brennan has pointed out that he and others have brought forward the Defence of Life and Property Bill 2006.