Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, United Left)
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507. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason she has not replied to the request by the Sex Workers' Alliance of Ireland that she meet with sex workers to hear their objections to proposed prostitution laws, in view of the fact that she has met with NGOs that support the proposed laws; her views that it is unacceptable to introduce legislation without first consulting with persons directly affected; and if she will meet with sex workers before any new legislation is introduced. [41300/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that I have arranged to meet representatives of the Sex Workers Alliance of Ireland. An appointment was made on 24 October and is scheduled to take place shortly.

My Department has sought the views of all sides of the debate concerning the future direction of prostitution legislation.

In June 2012, my Department published a discussion document on the future direction of legislation which was then referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. The publication of the document was followed by a conference organised by my Department, in October 2012, which heard from all sides of the debate. My Department has also received numerous correspondence and emails concerning this debate, the contents of which were noted and replied to.

The Joint Oireachtas Committee also conducted a public consultation process independently and published its report in June 2013.

Based on the outcome of these consultations, the review of prostitution laws continues. As you will be aware, prostitution raises a wide spectrum of issues and when I have fully considered the matter, I will bring legislative proposals to Government in the usual manner.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that neither myself nor officials from my Department have met with the person referred to in the last twelve months.