David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this matter and making those points. The Department of Justice and Equality is actively engaged in co-ordinating measures to reduce demand for the purchase of sexual services and in developing support strategies for persons seeking to exit prostitution. I recognise the important role of An Garda Síochána, the HSE, State agencies and the NGO sector play in supporting our national objectives in this regard. These organisations also play a strong role in the national strategy against human trafficking, which has a strong sexual exploitation dimension.

The Minister believes Part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 has played an important role in this process, and he is committed to the delivery of a comprehensive review of its operation. On behalf of the Minister, I assure the House that his Department will continue to support this important area through research, awareness-raising, NGO funding and co-ordination measures. I do not have any information to hand on the HSE women's health service. It is possibly best got from the Department of Health rather than the Department of Justice and Equality.

As the plans and research come to hand, I will arrange for them to be communicated to the Senator. There are other inputs. I am aware the Senator has a personal interest in this matter and I will ensure she is kept informed in the best possible way as this develops.