Seanad debates

Wednesday, 12 October 2011

Human Trafficking and Prostitution: Motion

 

7:00 pm

Photo of Katherine ZapponeKatherine Zappone (Independent)

My point was that Independent Senators are of a mixed view with regard to arguments forwarded in respect of the amendment. I will come back to that in one moment. I acknowledge the extraordinary passion, compassion, logic, analysis and information taken by my colleagues on all sides of the debate. I hope this provides some evidence, especially to those with us this evening, that the Seanad wishes to engage with civil society in critical debates, that we hear what it is saying and that we are struggling with these issues. I am proud of all contributions in this regard.

I have not heard any strong arguments against the introduction of some form of legislation that would criminalise the purchaser of sex. I am struggling with the Minister's call that we require a period of six months to make a decision about it. Having said that I thank the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, who, I realise, has been involved in these consultations with the Minister of State, Deputy Lynch. I thank my colleagues as well but especially those who have informed us so well and who have conducted this coalition and campaign which has brought us to the point of trying to decide what we should do.

I propose that the Independent Senators are of a mixed view. Most of us believe enough time has passed in terms of the debate conducted. Some of us believe there should be a wider debate to give the Government six months and are not afraid of it. Some of us believe it would be worthy for the wider public to be with us in this call. Some of us acknowledge the complexity of a decision to introduce legislation. Having said that, most of us do not think this way. We are a group of Independent Senators. In this case with a mixed decision it has been decided that we will push the amendment to a vote.

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