Minister to proceed with plan to criminalise sex buyers

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald is to proceed with plans to criminalise people who pay for sex, despite calls by Amnesty International for all aspects of sex work to be decriminalised.

However, a spokesman for the minister did point out the forthcoming Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill would be “substantially discussed” in the Oireachtas.

In a statement to the Irish Examiner, the spokesman said Ms Fitzgerald expected “all aspects of the debate” would be considered when the bill is introduced in the autumn. The department’s position, which also involves the decriminalisation of those selling sex, has been welcomed by Ruhama, an organisation working with women affected by prostitution.