Criminal justice sexual offences Bill
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn urges passage before Christmas of legislation addressing criminal gangs’ control of prostitution and protecting vulnerable women. The Taoiseach says the Bill is in the Seanad and refers scheduling to the Whips, noting the limited time available.
With regard to the criminal justice (sexual offences) Bill, last night's "RTE Investigates" report on the control by criminal gangs of prostitution across this island was devastating. It was a remarkable four-year investigation. Will the Taoiseach get this legislation through these Houses before Christmas and make sure that across the island of Ireland those who believe they have the right to purchase the bodies of vulnerable women will face criminal sanction and the women who find themselves in this situation will have all criminal sanction against them quashed?
Comment on this
I asked whether it will pass through both Houses before Christmas.
Comment on this
The Government Chief Whip and the Deputy's party Whip can discuss this at the Whips meeting. There is quite a list of Bills that we would like to get through. Obviously, Members have a right to have their say but, in so far as is possible, I would like to see as many Bills as possible put through both Houses. Time is getting short, as the Deputy will understand.