The government's approach towards addressing demand for sex through prostitution laws is appropriate and requires legislative action. According to Helen McEntee, the Minister of Justice, a tender will be released this week to hire a leading researcher to conduct a comprehensive review of existing prostitution laws, which are governed by Part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) 2017.
The government is currently waiting for the completion of this review before taking any legislative steps regarding sex for rent demands. This follows the introduction of the Ban on Sex for Rent Bill by Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) TD Cian O'Callaghan, who initiated it after an Irish Examiner investigation revealed instances of landlords charging tenants for sexual favors.
However, the bill was rejected by the Oireachtas justice committee due to concerns about its potential impact on trafficked persons and those engaged in consensual sex work.
Subsequently, the Department of Justice promised that once the review is complete, they would consider introducing legislation. They have also stated their commitment to ensuring that any new law is consistent with Ireland's international human rights obligations.