Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a historic day. I thank the Minister of State for bringing this amendment forward. I was not on the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. I thank Senator Bacik and her colleagues on that committee for all they work they have done. I was a member of committee D of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly in 2013 when it brought forward a report on human trafficking. Indeed, I met representatives of Ruhama and Turn Off the Red Light at that time. This issue was discussed ad nauseam by the committee, which made a recommendation in this regard. This was under the chairmanship of Lord Dubs at the time. We have seen the Northern legislation on streamlining. We know how trafficking works. There is no border on prostitution. It is a hugely significant day. Decriminalisation is most welcome.

Could I say while I am standing on my feet that the Minister of State has been sitting in the chair for four and a half hours? He was there when I was speaking on the previous Bill. He has not moved. Perhaps we might facilitate him by providing for a break of 20 minutes after we have dealt with this section.