Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

It is true that amendments proposed by Senators Mullen and O'Toole hijack this Bill to a certain extent. In fairness, the trafficking Bill is dealing with exploitation of different varieties, including sexual exploitation. The Minister has accepted an amendment in the Bill to the effect that those who avail of sexual services from a person who has been trafficked are guilty of an offence. The amendments are legitimate, even though there is, perhaps, the requirement of a wider debate. However, if prostitution is illegal, which it is, then there is a case to be made that the ambit of that offence should extend to all those who participate, including the user. The case has been made persuasively by both Senator Mullen and Senator O'Toole. It is before us, the amendments are validly made and we must decide on the matter based on the discussions we have had this evening and previously.

There is an anomaly in the criminal law of prostitution and in fairness to both Senators, they are attempting to address this.