Lisa McDonald (Fianna Fail)

It is not a career choice. It is driven by drugs and cash-rich pimps. We saw an example of that during the week with the successful conviction of Martin Morgan. I look forward to his sentencing on Friday. A life sentence would not be long enough for the man who was involved in vile and disgusting activity.

We need to look at the laws on brothel keeping, advertising and websites. I could name nearly four or five websites with names such as escortgirls.com and I do not even read them. Most people know where to go to purchase sexual services. If we are genuine about stopping the trafficking of persons, including women and children, we must take on board the tenet of what Senator Mullen suggested and include it in legislation. I do not understand why that cannot be done.

Earlier I heard the Minister of State refer to a law dating back to 1885. I am completely confused because as a practitioner, I did not realise it was a crime to purchase sexual services. In general, it is accepted that such behaviour is not a crime. I would welcome it if the Minister of State could clarify the position in that regard. If we are serious about the legislation, this matter must be examined.