Sex in lieu of rent
Deputy O'Callaghan highlighted reports of landlords and others exploiting vulnerable renters, including Ukrainian women, by demanding sex in place of rent. The Tánaiste said the Government would support the Bill, noting existing laws on purchase of sex and consent.
As the rental crisis deepens there are reports that some landlords have attempted to exploit vulnerable renters by demanding sex in lieu of rent. One young woman who has been propositioned three times in the last couple of months while she was trying to find somewhere safe to live told the Irish Examiner that trying to find somewhere to rent in Dublin is like falling into a dangerous hell. In the last week there have been reports of individuals trying to exploit Ukrainian women with demands of sex in lieu of rent. This is absolutely despicable and utterly unacceptable. Will the Government support the Social Democrats Bill on this which will be debated at Second Stage tomorrow? Will it support its speedy passage through the Oireachtas? What other measures will the Government take to address the power imbalance between landlords and tenants?
Comment on this
The Cabinet decided this morning to support the Bill. It is good legislation. The Minister for Justice will be happy to support it on behalf of the Government. It may be that the practice is already illegal given that the purchase of sex is illegal in Ireland and there are very clear laws around consent. Perhaps if this provides additional clarity there is something to be gained from it and we will support the Bill on that basis.