Bill to outlaw buying of sex

The purchasing of sex will be outlawed under new criminal offences.

Ministers signed off on the long-awaited legislation yesterday, which under the draft bill, will see those buying sex face fines of €500 or up to €5,000 if the person is trafficked.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald is expected to publish the final legislation next week and make an announcement on when the new criminal offence will be enacted. It is unclear if it will or will not decriminalise sex workers in brothels or on the streets.