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06/09/2013
Ford Launches Prostitution Inquiry
Justice Minister David Ford is to commission independent research into prostitution in order to inform future policy on the issue.
The issue of prostitution has received considerable interest in recent times. This is due, in part, to the proposal within Lord Morrow's Private Member's Bill on Human Trafficking to criminalise paying for sexual services.
On Thursday, Minister Ford repeated his commitment to tackle human trafficking but said that prostitution and human trafficking, although there is some overlap, need to be considered in their own right. The independent research on the nature and extent of prostitution will ensure that any subsequent policy decisions on legislation are based on sound evidence of the situation in Northern Ireland.
Mr Ford explained: "I am committed to doing all I can to tackle human trafficking and, indeed, my Department is taking forward a major programme of work. It is a horrendous crime and all our efforts must be on prevention, recovering and supporting victims and prosecuting those responsible. I therefore welcome the awareness raising and public debate that Lord Morrow's Bill has generated. "However, it is a matter of public record that I have concerns about elements of the Bill and in particular Clause 6 which contains the provision to criminalise paying for sexual services. I have spent time engaging with a number of different stakeholders, including the PSNI and a broad range of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and believe that, before making any provision to change the law, much more detailed research is needed.
"The wider policy issues surrounding prostitution, including supply, demand, health needs and the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable women, all deserve consideration and, if changes to the law are required, such proposals should be subject to wide ranging consultation. I am very concerned that in the absence of such thorough research and consultation we risk a number of serious, unintended, consequences.
"I consider that this research will set out the position in Northern Ireland from where we can reach informed decisions on the way forward."
(JP/CD)
The issue of prostitution has received considerable interest in recent times. This is due, in part, to the proposal within Lord Morrow's Private Member's Bill on Human Trafficking to criminalise paying for sexual services.
On Thursday, Minister Ford repeated his commitment to tackle human trafficking but said that prostitution and human trafficking, although there is some overlap, need to be considered in their own right. The independent research on the nature and extent of prostitution will ensure that any subsequent policy decisions on legislation are based on sound evidence of the situation in Northern Ireland.
Mr Ford explained: "I am committed to doing all I can to tackle human trafficking and, indeed, my Department is taking forward a major programme of work. It is a horrendous crime and all our efforts must be on prevention, recovering and supporting victims and prosecuting those responsible. I therefore welcome the awareness raising and public debate that Lord Morrow's Bill has generated. "However, it is a matter of public record that I have concerns about elements of the Bill and in particular Clause 6 which contains the provision to criminalise paying for sexual services. I have spent time engaging with a number of different stakeholders, including the PSNI and a broad range of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and believe that, before making any provision to change the law, much more detailed research is needed.
"The wider policy issues surrounding prostitution, including supply, demand, health needs and the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable women, all deserve consideration and, if changes to the law are required, such proposals should be subject to wide ranging consultation. I am very concerned that in the absence of such thorough research and consultation we risk a number of serious, unintended, consequences.
"I consider that this research will set out the position in Northern Ireland from where we can reach informed decisions on the way forward."
(JP/CD)
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27 January 2011
Sex Not Just 'In The City'
Prostitution is not confined to the cities - and certainly not just to Belfast - with over 60% of the police command units across Northern Ireland having reported cases involving 'street-walkers'. Justice Minister David Ford's new research has revealed that prostitution occurs right across Northern Ireland and is not solely an issue for Belfast.
Sex Not Just 'In The City'
Prostitution is not confined to the cities - and certainly not just to Belfast - with over 60% of the police command units across Northern Ireland having reported cases involving 'street-walkers'. Justice Minister David Ford's new research has revealed that prostitution occurs right across Northern Ireland and is not solely an issue for Belfast.
28 October 2004
UU launches world-class researchers search
The University of Ulster has launched a campaign to attract world-class researchers to Northern Ireland as part of new research institute structures. The University is establishing 13 new research institutes as part of a strategic initiative to develop its position as a centre for outstanding research.
UU launches world-class researchers search
The University of Ulster has launched a campaign to attract world-class researchers to Northern Ireland as part of new research institute structures. The University is establishing 13 new research institutes as part of a strategic initiative to develop its position as a centre for outstanding research.
13 January 2004
NI Economic Research Institute swings into operation
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The new Economic Research Institute will play an important role in contributing to economic debate and understanding in Northern Ireland and in the development of the local economy", according to Ian Pearson Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.
20 July 2022
Martin Heaney Jailed For Five Years
A 59-year-old man has been jailed for five years for a range of offences including human trafficking, controlling prostitution, and voyeurism. At Laganside Crown Court today, Wednesday 20 July, Martin Heaney was sentenced to five years imprisonment. A Sex Trafficking Prevention Order (STPO) was also issued and will be in place for 7 years.
Martin Heaney Jailed For Five Years
A 59-year-old man has been jailed for five years for a range of offences including human trafficking, controlling prostitution, and voyeurism. At Laganside Crown Court today, Wednesday 20 July, Martin Heaney was sentenced to five years imprisonment. A Sex Trafficking Prevention Order (STPO) was also issued and will be in place for 7 years.
18 May 2017
Two Charged In Connection With Human Trafficking
Two people have been charged after a 29-year-old woman was rescued by the PSNI's Human Trafficking Unit in Co Tyrone. Officers carried out searches after concerns were raised about a woman's safety in Dungannon. A 32-year-old man has been charged with rape, human trafficking, controlling prostitution and kidnapping.
Two Charged In Connection With Human Trafficking
Two people have been charged after a 29-year-old woman was rescued by the PSNI's Human Trafficking Unit in Co Tyrone. Officers carried out searches after concerns were raised about a woman's safety in Dungannon. A 32-year-old man has been charged with rape, human trafficking, controlling prostitution and kidnapping.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
