New laws not deterring sex workers, says Ruhama

In spite of laws coming into force which criminalise the users of their services, hundreds of foreign women are still coming into Ireland to offer sex for sale.

The Criminal Law Sexual Offences Bill criminalises the purchase of sexual services without criminalising those working as prostitutes.

The bill was passed in the Dáil earlier this month by 94 votes to six and was signed into law by the President on Wednesday. It means Ireland follows Canada, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and the north in introducing legislation designed to punish men who use prostitutes.