Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of prostitution, particularly in light of new research by the Immigrant Council of Ireland. Its research indicates that Galway is still an attractive destination for prostitution and the associated criminal human trafficking, and has the third highest level of online prostitution after Dublin and Cork. Brian Killoran, chief executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said that some of the 60 victims of sex trafficking the council has supported speak of being abused and moved there to meet the demands of buyers looking for new women and girls. The Immigrant Council of Ireland has stated that the introduction of tough laws in Northern Ireland is the cause of the spike in prostitution south of the Border. It is, therefore, vital that the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015, which was recently commenced and discussed in this House, completes its passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible as an all-island approach is needed to deal with this issue.

Tomorrow, the Galway 2020 team will travel to Dublin Castle to present its bid book to a panel of European adjudicators. I think I speak on behalf of everyone in Galway and the west in wishing it well with regard to its bid for Galway to become the Capital of Culture.