Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026: Second Stage
Seanad Éireann — 2026-06-18
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Sharon Keogan (IND), Industrial and Commercial Panel

I was not expecting to be up so soon. I support many of the provisions the Minister is introducing in this Bill. We have been rolled into this House so many times regarding the extension of the permanent regulatory basis under which licensed premises may provide outdoor seating on public lands. The Government gave more than €20 million to provide the hospitality sector with outdoor seating during Covid. Every six months we had to come in here and extend the power, so I am absolutely delighted with this measure, which gives certainty to the sector.
I am a little bit concerned about a couple of things. The first is in light of the protests we had recently. I refer to the deployment of members of the Defence Forces as an aid to the civil power. Nobody wants to see civil unrest in this country but the Defence Forces do not want to be some sort of back-up riot squad either. There must be processes, checks and balances and standard operating procedures. On reflection, going back to the recent protest, maybe things would have been done differently if we could do them again. Things were said and the Defence Forces were called in. The decision might have been made differently if there were proper supports for An Garda Síochána at the time. I have an issue with that. That is one of my big concerns.
These miscellaneous provisions Bills are fantastic for bringing in all kinds of things. Is there anything the Minister can do in relation to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act? I do not know whether it can be amended or if this is it. I have asked for a debate in this House on the Escorts Ireland website, which advertises sexual services in breach of our legislation. There are more than 900 women advertised on this site every single day. There are human trafficking concerns. The women are often controlled by organised crime gangs that operate in the sex trade. These websites provide anonymity for the buyers and pimps. They are generating millions in profit. The Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy Institute has asked the Minister to take action. Perhaps this is something he might consider. I do not know whether he can add it to the Bill but it is something I certainly would like to see addressed swiftly. The Minister might advise me on whether he can include it. I broadly support the Bill.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-06-18/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:05+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-06-18