Lisa McDonald (Fianna Fail)

I broadly welcome the amendments as the Bill goes some way towards alleviating the horrific issue of the trafficking of women. We have not gone far enough and we must criminalise the purchase of sexual services. Until we grasp that thorn and deal with that matter fully, we will never fully eliminate the problem of human trafficking.

Various arguments have been put forward with regard to the moral issue and the policing of it. Murders still take place although murder is a crime. We will never have a utopia and it does not exist, nevertheless, we must ensure our legislation is as perfect as possible. Until we get to that stage there will be a lacuna and a gaping hole in our legislation that discriminates against women and children.