Rónán Mullen (Independent)

-----debtor. The person who had his own debt forgiven showed very little compassion himself towards others. That is an interesting side light on the Greek debate.

In addition to a debate on asylum it would also be timely for us to look at the extent to which our measures to combat trafficking are working. I accept we have administrative, protective measures for victims of human trafficking but the reality is that only a handful of victims of trafficking have had access to the recovery and reflection period and the six months temporary residence permits. No cases have been brought to court under the human trafficking legislation. I made the point in the House previously that the British have introduced a much tighter law on the purchase of sexual services from persons who are trafficked. It is not a defence under the British law to show that one did not know the person was a controlled person. I am asking for a debate on the need to tidy up Irish law, to harmonise it with that of Britain so we do not have the appalling spectacle of people coming south of the Border to avail of the sexual services of persons who are victims of human trafficking. I ask the Leader to request the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the Seanad to debate that matter with us as soon as possible.