Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to comment on a point made by Senator Norris and to correct the public record. Having listened to his opinions on these issues, I believe they are also grounded in an ideology. I wish to correct his comment on the justice committee, of which I am a member, and the evidence provided to its members by sex workers. I have checked with the secretariat and it has advised me that the evidence of former sex workers was, at their request, taken in private session before the committee in order to protect their identity. The secretariat has also advised and reminded us that similar arrangements were also requested by current sex workers to protect their identity, and that we heard their evidence in private session. I am advised that if we hear evidence in private session, it is not normal procedure to produce a transcript of the meeting. I am informed that an initial examination of the records indicates there is no communication from any current or former sex workers of their evidence being omitted from the report.