Labour calls for laws to fight sex shops

THE Government should introduce laws to crack down on sex shops, Labour has said.

The party says it is wrong that a business owner can convert their premises into an adult shop without having to apply for a change of use.

It said two sex shops opened in this way in a Dublin suburb across from a church. The party wants the Government to introduce legislation to change this.

Speaking on the final day of the Labour parliamentary party conference in Clonmel yesterday, Dublin Central TD Joe Costello said Labour would make its own proposals on the issue when the Dáil returns at the end of the month.

“The proprietor of a grocery store, takeaway or internet café must apply for and obtain planning permission to open for business. However, he or she or a new owner can then decide to convert any of these premises into an adult shop overnight and trade in the sex industry without having to apply for a change of use,” said Mr Costello.

“In recent years two adult shops were opened in a residential area in Phibsborough directly across from the local church without anybody knowing about the change of use until after it had happened.”

Meanwhile, party leader Eamon Gilmore called on the Government to announce a date for the Dublin South by-election caused by the death of former minister Seamus Brennan.

Fianna Fáil has not named a date for the vote amid speculation it wants to delay until next year because the economic downturn could hurt its chances of holding the seat.

“It is now three months since the death of the much-respected Seamus Brennan, but there is no indication as to when the Government plans to hold the by-election required following his death,” said Mr Gilmore.

“The people of Dublin South are entitled to the full level of representation in the Dáil provided for in the Constitution.

“Furthermore, if the Government believes that it has the confidence of the people in terms of its performance in office so far, and particularly in regard to its handling of the economy, then surely it should put this to the test.”

On the question of his own party’s electoral issues, Mr Gilmore said he would like Labour’s sole MEP, Proinsias de Rossa, to seek another term at next year’s European elections. Mr de Rossa has yet to say whether he will stand, but Labour fears that it could lose the seat with any other candidate.