Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I, too, support amendment No. 28. I had not formed my opinion on this issue when I first entered the Seanad. It is something I have researched on my own and then met with others to form my opinion. The reality is that the 2009 Kelleher report stated 11% of those trafficked into Ireland for sexual exploitation were under 18 years of age. We know from the Ekberg report of 2004 that the majority of women who enter prostitution first do so as minors. I am not going to get into selective quotes and going back and forth. I want the record to clearly show that I formed my own opinion and looked at the evidence. With the greatest respect, I listened to Senator Norris on Second and Committee Stages. I re-read the research to ensure I felt a similar strength of opinion regarding my views. That is why it is good to have a debate and to hear dissenting voices. The Senator has the idea he is in a minority of one and the rest of the House has come together to ram through this legislation. We are not here to do that. This legislation has been debated considerably in this House. I am part of a group of colleagues which tabled two motions on this issue. It went to the justice committee and a range of submissions were received, the majority of which were in support of the policy approach that is being taken here.

I have listened carefully to the comments but I am confirmed in my opinion. I support this amendment and I agree with Senator Bacik who is correct about this matter. I support the proposals to criminalise the purchase of sex but it is also welcome to see proposals for decriminalising of the sale of sex. This does address some of the issues raised. I would like to make it clear to the House, and I am sure it is clear to many of my colleagues, that we can read the evidence and make up our own minds. I like to read the full evidence. I have met with people who work in law enforcement in Sweden who have told me a different story to the one presented here by Senator Norris. However, I will not get involved in a back and forth as we have formed our own opinions. I respect Senator Norris's opinions and I ask that he would respect-----