Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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285. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on the progress of legislation to prohibit sex-for-rent exploitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35092/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Any attempt by accommodation providers to exploit their position and prey on vulnerable individuals through such 'sex for rent' arrangements is completely unacceptable. Such actions are an abuse of power, which will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The General Scheme of the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, which I published on 6 May, includes measures to criminalise the exploitative practice of seeking sex in lieu of rent.

It is proposed to introduce two specific criminal offences related to ‘sex for rent’: (i) offering accommodation in exchange for sexual activity and (ii) the advertising of accommodation for the same motivation.

The provisions encompass both rental agreements between landlords and tenants, and “rent-a-room” situations.

It is the offer or advertisement that is being criminalised - there is no requirement to prove that sexual activity actually took place. The proposed penalty for these offences is a fine of up to €5,000.

The General Scheme of the Bill has now been referred to Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting. The General Scheme will also be referred to the Justice Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny and, when its report is received, work on finalising the Bill will be prioritised.