Laura Harmon (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 9 be taken before No. 1. It relates to the Prohibition of Advertising or Importuning Sex for Rent Bill 2025. I will speak briefly to it. I hope we will have a debate on it in the House in future. It is a very straightforward Bill that is laser focused on the advertising of rental properties and prohibits and criminalises advertisements that relate to importuning for sex for reduced rent. The Bill covers a range of advertising, not just on websites. Predators in the rental sector can use vague wording online. They might say prospective tenants "must be up for having fun in the house" or refer to "a friends-with-benefits situation" or they "must be up for sharing a bed". Often, when they start communicating with a person by text message or email, it comes to light what they are asking. This Bill would cover text messages, emails and any kind of electronic communication. It seeks to introduce a class A offence and a fine of up to €50,000 for such activity. The focus is very much on the advertising element. The Bill is very straightforward. If it is agreed to progress it, I would love to work with the Government and the Cross-Party Group on it. I thank the members of the Cross-Party Group – Senators Stephenson, Noonan and Cosgrove - for cosigning the Bill.