I am very glad that my colleague Senator David Norris raised the issue of the Department of Justice and Equality vetoing the possibility of a visit by President Higgins to an asylum centre in Athlone. It is understand the President's office was positive about the request and invitation. We should hear from the Minister for Justice and Equality on this matter. In the context of preparing for the recent Private Members' motion on the direct provision issue I visited several centres, and I know the Department of Justice and Equality facilitated my visit on one occasion. I cannot understand the reason the Department and the agencies involved should not do everything necessary to facilitate a presidential visit. It would be highly appropriate for the President to visit. It is such a part of the symbolic office of the Presidency. By being present with people and groups, particularly those considered to be marginalised, the President is sending a powerful message. By vetoing the visit, the Department appears to have interfered with the President in doing what a president ought to do. We should hear from the Government on this issue. I would like to think President Higgins would visit such a centre very soon and that there would be ample media coverage of such a visit.

This morning Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy and I met Dr. Myria Vassiliadou, the EU anti-trafficking co-ordinator. Her job is to promote ways in which EU member states can target trafficking, not just for prostitution but to deal with the problem in general. Ireland has notified its compliance with EU anti-trafficking laws, but we await her scrutiny on how well we are doing.

In June 2013 the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality submitted a report to the Minister for Justice and Equality on prostitution. There was unanimous support for criminalising the user. Canada has joined the list of countries taking steps to criminalise users of prostitutes. It is high time we got a commitment from the Minister for Justice and Equality that this critical issue will move up on her agenda. It is not on the autumn legislative agenda. However, she could deal with it in the context of the new sexual offences Bill that is being introduced before Christmas.

The Senator is way over time.

I would be grateful if the Leader would discuss the issue with the Minister.