Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As legislators we should collectively say that this is an offence which is countenanced under no circumstances and that it is taken seriously. If a person engages in any way in this exploitation or encourages others, or engages in or encourages others to pay for or set up the exploitation - there is specific reference to the sexual exploitation of children - then one pays the price. That price is imprisonment and the Judiciary would have discretion on the term of that imprisonment. A person who may be well off financially should not be able to get off purely by paying a fine. It might be a substantial fine but because of their own financial resources it would be insignificant to them and the sanction would be meaningless. This would not be acceptable and it is not prioritising the protection of children in the way that should be done. I feel strongly on this. I know the amendment has gone through but I appeal to the Minister of State to re-examine it so that on Report Stage we could ensure this section reflects the graveness and seriousness of the offence of sexually exploiting children.