Written answers

Tuesday, 29 March 2022

Department of Justice and Equality

An Garda Síochána

Photo of Paul MurphyPaul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

101. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will respond to recent allegations from organisations representing sex workers of Garda intimidation and abusive behaviour against sex workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16253/22]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the organisation referred to by the Deputy and I have received correspondence from them but not relating to the specific issue the Deputy clarified he is referring to.

That said, I can assure the Deputy that it is the role of An Garda is to serve and protect and to uphold the law.

As the Deputy will be aware, in 2017 the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 was introduced. It removed those who offer their services as a prostitute from the existing offences of soliciting for the purpose of prostitution and criminalised the purchase of sex.

A key purpose for the 2017 Sexual Offences Act was to provide additional protection to persons involved in prostitution, especially vulnerable persons and victims of human trafficking. It allows those engaged in prostitution to provide information to Gardaí, for instance if they were subjected to violence by clients, without fear of prosecution for selling sexual services.

Last year An Garda Síochána formally established the Organised Prostitution Unit which is attached to the Garda National Protective Services Bureau. The establishment of this specialised unit reinforces the service's commitment to protecting vulnerable persons including victims of human trafficking involved in prostitution here. At the time of its launch last year An Garda Síochána specifically recognised that a significant number of serious attacks on individuals involved in prostitution go unreported and they encouraged them to report all such attacks, so they can be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.

The Deputy may also wish to be aware that there is now a Divisional Protective Services Unit (DPSU) established in every Garda division across the country. This ensures that when vulnerable victims of crimes, such as domestic abuse and sexual violence, present to Gardaí they are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance.

I can assure the Deputy that any victim of a serious assault who comes forward to report it will treated with respect and dignity. I reiterate the call by An Garda Síochána for anyone was a victim of an assault, or who might become a victim in the future, to please come forward and report it regardless of the circumstances in which the assault occurred. It will be taken seriously and the person reporting the assault will be treated sensitively and respectfully.

It may also interest the Deputy to know that officials in my Department are also working on a legislative amendment to expunge previous convictions for ‘sale of sex’, or prostitution offences. This is a significant step in recognising and responding to the needs of victims of sex trafficking, and those forced to provide sexual services, which will include people trafficked into Ireland for that purpose.

Separately, last year the Government approved plans to revise the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to make it easier for victims of human trafficking to come forward, be identified, and facilitate their access to advice, accommodation and support. Officials in my are currently drafting the heads of a bill and I expect to be in position to publish the general scheme of the Bill shortly, with legislation to be enacted later this year.

Finally, I would point out that if the organisation referred to by the Deputy feels the service and treatment they received from An Garda Síochána falls below what is expected, it is of course open to them to contact the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC). GSOC is the independent body charged with receiving complaints from the public concerning members of An Garda Síochána. Contact can be made with GSOC at their offices at: 150 Upper Abbey Street, Dublin 1 and by telephone on Lo-Call Tel: 0818 600 800.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.