Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House and rise to speak in support of the Bill and the changes to trafficking law. Last week the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality published its report on the reform of the law on prostitution. The report encompassed consideration of the issue of trafficking on foot of very interesting evidence given to the committee by members of the Garda's anti-trafficking unit. I hope the Minister will have an early opportunity to review the recommendations we in the committee have made on criminalising the purchase rather than the sale of sex. We were delighted in the committee to have the opportunity to review the law in this area following the Minister's request. Of necessity, it will also encompass changes to the law on trafficking.