David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I share Senator Quinn's concerns. I welcome the Minister back to the House. I also welcome the fact that legal aid is being extended to victims of trafficking but, like Senator Quinn, I am concerned about the extent of that legal aid. Is it only legal advice that is being made available? Is it only available for matters connected with the commission of the offence or any other offence connected with the alleged trafficking offence? There are other issues on which those victims would require legal representation, such as domestic matters, immigration and so forth. While I welcome the extension of the advice being made available, there is also the issue of the representation in court that victims would require.

Does the Minister intend to protect those who do not fall within the definition of trafficked persons but who are still victims of the sex industry? Surely they will also require representation. Senator Quinn cited FLAC, which has noted that very few people in Ireland have been identified as trafficked persons. That is a concern, and we should pause and reflect on it. Does the Department intend to deal with the fact that although the extension of legal advice applies to victims of trafficking it does not apply to victims of the sex industry generally? I hope the Minister will reflect on that.