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- Cabinet approval secured to publish review of legislation that made it illegal to purchase sex but legal to sell sex.
- Review highlights challenges facing An Garda Síochána and DPP in enforcing this legislation.
Cabinet approval has been secured to publish a review of the legislation that deals with the purchase of sexual services.
The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 decriminalised the sale of sex, criminalised the purchase of sex, and increased the penalty provided for brothel keeping. The legislation was designed to shift the legal burden towards those who buy sex rather than the sellers, aiming to protect those most at risk within the sex industry.
The Review of the Operation of Section 7A of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993, identifies areas for improvement which would allow the legislation to work better and achieve its aim of deterring the demand for commercial sex, which is linked to both sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Here in Ireland, it is legal to sell sex, but illegal to purchase sex. This means that individuals involved in the sale of sex are no longer criminalised.
Prostitution is inherently exploitative of vulnerable persons, mainly women and girls, and many people are forced into prostitution, through trafficking, drug addiction, homelessness and poverty.
This Review has been much anticipated by stakeholders in the domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) sector and others, and is published today.
Among its findings, this review highlights challenges to the effective enforcement of the legislation in its current form, with An Garda Síochána and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions noting significant barriers. These include limited power of arrest for detention and questioning, the requirement of an admission of guilt and challenges in prosecution, due to the necessary ‘proofs’ required.
It also finds that the ability to successfully support and protect is hindered by a lack of culturally appropriate support services, including healthcare, social welfare, gender specific housing for women, and clear exit routes.
This review also notes that the prevalence of human trafficking among those involved in the sale of sex in Ireland is not fully known and the lack of reliable data is cited by both advocates for and opponents of section 7A.
The key focus on this issue is to seek to reduce demand, protect those involved in the sex trade, and support those who wish to exit.
The Review highlights that despite the criminalisation of the purchase of sexual services, demand has not decreased. The Review also points to recommendations to address this through awareness-raising; these are mirrored in the Programme for Government and the Zero Tolerance Strategy.
Certain recommendations will be considered in respect of law enforcement, and officials are consulting with An Garda Síochána, in this regard.
According to An Garda Síochána, the DPP had directed 161 prosecutions for the offence of ‘Payment etc. for Sexual Activity with a Prostitute’, from January 2017 up to August 2024.
Over that period, our police service recorded 15 convictions under this legislation.
This report is now available HERE
It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, today Tuesday 25th March 2025 of Rev. Denis Kennedy (Holy Ghost Fathers-CSSp.) [Missionary in Nigeria, Kenya and United States], Blackrock College, St. Joseph’s Parish Glasthule and formerly Borrisoleigh, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Pre-deceased by his sister Marie (Fogarty), brother Seamus and grandnephew John; Rev. Kennedy passed away peacefully at Nazareth House Nursing Home.
His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; sister Margaret (Ryan), brother-in-law Jimmy, sister-in-law Zita, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, extended relatives, neighbours, Spiritan religious confrères and a wide circle of friends.
Requiescat in Pace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Rev. Kennedy will be received into Kimmage Manor Community Chapel, Kimmage, Dublin (Eircode D12 TY2W) for prayers at 3:00pm on tomorrow afternoon Thursday, March 27th.
Requiem Mass will be celebrated in St. Joseph’s Parish Church, Summerhill Road, Glasthule, Sandycove, Co. Dublin at 11:30am on Saturday morning, March 29th.
His remains will further repose at Kennedy’s Funeral Home, Castlequarter, Borrisoleigh (Eircode E41 VX81) from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, on Saturday afternoon, March 29th, before being removed to the nearby Church of the Sacred Heart, Borrisoleigh, Thurles at 8:00pm same evening.
Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Sunday afternoon, March 30th at 1:00pm, followed by interment in St Brigid’s Cemetery, Upper Main Street, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
For those persons who wish to attend Requiem Masses for Rev. Denis Kennedy, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online from Glasthule HERE and online from Borrisoleigh HERE .
Note Please: Family flowers only please.
The extended Kennedy family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Mná Month events continue at Cashel Library.
Ms Maura Barrett, (Cashel Library) Reports:
A Chara,
Some places left on the FREE Printmaking Workshop for adults in Cashel Library – yet another Mnásome event.
In this workshop, you will learn the step-by-step process of creating your own print using styrofoam printmaking. We will explore how to use your designs to create repeat patterns.
This fun and accessible technique is a great introduction to the art of printmaking!
Remember: Booking is essential to Tel: 062-63835 on a first come first served basis.
Visitors attending events can locate the Cashel Library building; situated on Friar Street, Lady’s Well, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, HERE. (G487+RX).
It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, on Sunday 23rd March 2025, of Mrs Kate Molloy, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Dunboyne Co. Meath and Blanchardstown, Co. Dublin.
Pre-deceased by her parents Nuala and Terry, brother Jim and sister Gerardene; Mrs Molloy passed away peacefully at Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, surrounded by her loving family.
Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; children Darereca, Cèalainn, Bèibhinn, Paul and Brenna, sons-in-law Niall and Alan, daughter-in-law Orla, sisters Ciara and Ann, brother Terence, brother-in-law Bob, nieces Judy, Sophie and Ellen, nephews Robert, Mathew, Darren and Toìrealach, her adored grandchildren Lee, Grace, Lauren, Ruby, Ewan, Isla and Kyle, former husband Paul, extended relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Requiescat in Pace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The remains of Mrs Molloy will repose at McEntaggarts Funeral Home, Ratoath, Co. Meath (Eircode A85 DW27) on Thursday afternoon from 5:00pm until 7:00pm same evening.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will take place, for Mrs Molloy, in McEntaggarts Funeral Home at 10:30am on Friday morning, followed by cremation in Dardistown Cemetery, Collinstown Cross, Old Airport Rd, Dardistown, Dublin, (K67 HP26) at 12:00 noon.
For those persons who wish to attend the Cremation Ceremony for Mrs Molloy, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.
The extended Molloy family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
Note Please: Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu to Irish Cancer Society.
“Kate would like everyone to wear bright colours. Thank you.”
In ár gcroíthe go deo.
Alert Summary dated Monday, 24th March 2025.
Allergy Alert Notification: 2025.A06 (Update 1).
Allergen: Peanuts.
Product Identification: Sofra Garlic Powder; pack size: 100g.
Batch Code: All batch codes and all best before dates.
Country Of Origin: Lebanon.
Message: Further to FSAI food allergen alert 2025.A06, all batches and best before dates of Sofra Garlic Powder may contain peanut, which is not mentioned on the label. This may make the batches unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of peanut and therefore, these consumers should not eat the implicated batches.
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