Conclusion of Meeting with Minister

[Stephanie]

I think there is little doubt what way this government feels about the proposed legislation. The previous minister, Alan Shatter, had a more balanced approach, judging by the figures from his department on trafficking etc. As others have said, I salute any sex worker who is brave enough to raise their head above the parapet and speak out. I know as a client I would find it difficult to do.

If, as seems to be the case, the legislation is a foregone conclusion, then the only avenue left is for a constitutional challenge to the proposed legislation if enacted. Others have previously pointed out, under our constitution you cannot criminalise half a transaction. This would be a very clear route, unlike the UK and North we have a written constitutions. The drawbacks are that it would be a costly process and would involve someone publicly fronting the challenge. i.e. a client who risks being criminalised!!!!

Only my thoughts, and again well done to any ladies who have/had the guts to meet politicians/journos etc.

In the Committee Meeting I raised this very issue with Bacik , and my quiry was simply brushed aside as if moot ,

her saying that my information re constitutionality was incorrect.

Can they do that ?

Simply disregard the Constitution for their gain , and hope no one will challenge them ?

What a silly exercise !

[Larrii]

..
Can they do that ?

Simply disregard the Constitution for their gain , and hope no one will challenge them ?

What a silly exercise !

Bacik is a law professor and what she meant was that a Catholic judiciary will read the constitution in a conservative way. Which is ironic as she used to be anti-conservative herself.

The big choice will be made inside the minister's department, balancing the costs of enforcement against the loss of tax (VAT) and business caused by such a law. Can an exporting country afford to be a less attractive place to do business? The proposed law will be a net cost.

Northern Ireland is subsidised by 10 billion a year from London, so they can afford to vote for anything as they don't have to pay the bills.

In terms of votes, also a net cost here, if you balance a handful of (non-voting) potentially genuine victims against thousands of punters.

Well done Catriona xx

[The Libertarian]

The Supreme Court has thrown out the concept of a 'Common Prostitute' before, effectively decriminalising prostitution until it was in many respects recriminalised in the 1993 Act which ironically and correctly decriminalised homosexual acts between adult males. I don't know the full ins and outs of it, but I think the constitutional case in question was not directly to do with prostitution but it was tangentally decriminalised and Michael McDowell may have had something to do with the case in question.
I don't know how the Supreme Court is currently stacked, but it very often thankfully has quite a Protestant presence.
The Good Senator's case to decriminalise Homosexual acts was rejected in the national interest by that court, which is worrying!
Also with the vote in the European Parliament to back The Swedish Model, it probably means any case brought to The European Court will not succeed.
Imagine though, if it is found unconstitutional here, but ironically a Fake Socialist - SNP coalition in The UK bring in such insane laws, which is a strong possibility and the UK public have no comeback at all against such insanity!

[The Libertarian]

Bacik is a law professor and what she meant was that a Catholic judiciary will read the constitution in a conservative way. Which is ironic as she used to be anti-conservative herself.

The big choice will be made inside the minister's department, balancing the costs of enforcement against the loss of tax (VAT) and business caused by such a law. Can an exporting country afford to be a less attractive place to do business? The proposed law will be a net cost.

Northern Ireland is subsidised by 10 billion a year from London, so they can afford to vote for anything as they don't have to pay the bills.

In terms of votes, also a net cost here, if you balance a handful of (non-voting) potentially genuine victims against thousands of punters.

Well done Catriona xx

Very interesting point we are highly reliant on foreign investment (absurdly so TBH!) and executives from abroad working here with multi nationals are likely to be even more interested in accessible female company than the average Paddy and if it's difficult to get it may have an adverse effect economically!

[Johnbadboy]

First thing I thought about when I saw this is just how valuable the work escorts do in keeping marriages intact and letting the guy lose every so often and have some innocent fun

You just cannot put a price on this and if this changes its inevitable that there will be a big increase in marriage breakup

The truth you is that escorts probably keep marriages intact and together

Okay I am not suggesting that escorts be canonised turned into female saints but I think you know what I mean?...

[perfectchoice]

Maybe Us puntersneed to do what these water protesters are doing with these ministers to get them to pay some attention to what we really want and stop interfering in our private matters

Generally what we do is 100% consensual and done behind closed doors and should be no concern of the minister

[Justica]

Sounds like we is Snookered?

[The Equalizer]

Maybe Us puntersneed to do what these water protesters are doing with these ministers to get them to pay some attention to what we really want and stop interfering in our private matters

Generally what we do is 100% consensual and done behind closed doors and should be no concern of the minister

Maybe Us puntersneed to do what these water protesters are doing with these ministers to get them to pay some attention
I see your point. Unfortunately, this debate is an issue where it would be very hard for a client to come forward to "plead the case" on behalf of Clients due to the stigmatizing nature of this industry.

Though, it could happen yet....

[Meursault]

Sounds like we is Snookered?

you need ronnie o sullivan to get out this

[Catriona]

I should know by the end of the week when a bill will be introduced.