What progress has been made on the criminal law (sexual offences) Bill? One of the matters being dealt with in that is the criminalisation of the purchase of sexual services. Extensive work was conducted on this matter by the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality last year and a detailed report was submitted to the Department and the Minister. Ironically, a delegation from the North of Ireland discussed this very topic with that committee and it has now progressed ahead of us in terms of introducing this legislation. I hope the Minister will confirm this legislation will be before the House before the end of this session.

I understand that work is well advanced on this. I cannot give the Deputy an exact schedule as to whether it will be taken before the end of this session. I will seek information and provide it to her.