Katherine Zappone (Independent)

I wish to offer my sympathies to the family in Brookfield, west Tallaght, an area I know well. I also echo and affirm what Senator Bacik has said in respect of the fiscal compact treaty and the suggestion of Senator O'Brien is perfectly sensible. Obviously, this is one of the prime issues that we should be discussing here.

Last night, RTE screened an investigative report, "Prime Time: Profiting from Prostitution" which delved into the highly-organised world of prostitution and trafficking. This documentary was nothing short of shocking. The report exposed the chilling reality of hundreds of women, the majority of whom are immigrant women, who are brought into Ireland and then moved from town to town on a regular basis. Female enslavement in this country is alive and well and it is generating vast profits for those in control. The documentary dispelled the myth that these women work independently. In fact, they are threatened, coerced and enslaved by pimps. The report also showed that criminalising the women involved is ineffective and does nothing to dismantle the sophisticated infrastructure of the pimps who remain untouched.

There is a clear gender dimension to this problem. As a woman I am revolted that Irish men, not all Irish men, but, given the report's findings, a large number of Irish men, are participating and enabling the enslavement of women in every town in Ireland. What has happened in the education of men that they think they can buy the bodies of women to have their needs met? This is not the case for all men but for many men according to this report. What has happened to our men that they believe this is acceptable? The ordinary viewer of the programme last night was left with profound questions such as how an investigative team could reveal such activity over a six-month period when, presumably, the same activity is known to the Garda but it is not being prosecuted. Why are we watching this on television like a movie when it is a harrowing reality in our towns and cities? Clearly, our current laws are not working. There is an inescapable interweaving of trafficking with prostitution and this exploitation must be addressed. We need legislation that can interrupt this activity, which is an absolute infringement of human rights.

In response to the debate on the Independent group of Senators' motion on trafficking and prostitution, in which we all took part in October 2011, the Minister, Deputy Shatter, promised a public consultation process within six months. I have had communications with the Minister, Deputy Shatter, and I understand that a consultation paper is due to be released by the Minister shortly. The consultation should begin now. I call on the Leader to ask the Minister when this might happen. The documentary mirrors the findings of research. I remind Members that the Independent group is sponsoring a briefing today between 3.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. by the Turn Off The Red Light campaign.

If the Cathaoirleach will indulge me, I have one more question. I call on the Leader to provide an update on the Seanad Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges. When will the speakers proposed by the Independent group be invited to the House? I understand these suggestions have been brought to the committee.