Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 294: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has been briefed on a campaign (details supplied); if he is preparing a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7471/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Under the existing law the sale or purchase of sexual services is not an offence. However associated activities which cause a public nuisance such as soliciting by either party to a transaction or the exploitation of prostitution such as pimping or running a brothel are criminal offences.

I am aware of the "turnofftheredlight" campaign for legislation here, based on the law in Sweden, to criminalise the purchase of sex. Any such proposal would require very careful consideration.

I will be examining a report prepared by my Department on the Swedish Government's evaluation last year of its 1999 legislation. I will also be examining advices recently received from the Attorney General's Office concerning the legal and constitutional implications of introducing a ban on the purchase of sex. The Deputy will appreciate that I have not yet had the opportunity to fully consider the issues. The Deputy will appreciate that I have not yet had the opportunity to fully consider the report referred to and the advices received.