Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 69: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to revise our prostitution laws. [13023/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The laws governing prostitution provide a robust regime aimed at protecting society from the more intrusive aspects of prostitution while also protecting prostitutes from exploitation. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993 makes it an offence to solicit or importune another person on a street or public place for the purpose of prostitution. The offence can be committed by the prostitute, client or third party. The Act also provides for offences such as organising prostitution, coercing or compelling a person to be a prostitute, knowingly living on the earnings of a prostitute or keeping or managing a brothel. In addition, the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 makes it an offence to knowingly solicit or importune a trafficked person in any place, public or private, for the purpose of prostitution.

The present legislation does not distinguish between adult and child prostitution. I am considering providing for specific offences concerning child prostitution which would involve a more severe penalty regime than that provided for in current legislation. When proposals in this area are finalised, I intend including them in a comprehensive sexual offences Bill for which I will be seeking Government approval.

The law on prostitution is kept under continuing review in my Department. Suggestions are made from time to time for amendments to the legislation but, before effecting any changes in this area, apart from those at present under active consideration, I would have to be satisfied that they would be in the interests of the vulnerable people concerned and would not leave them open to greater exploitation.