Women’s group is pushing for a sex-for-hire law before the general election

The women’s organization is today briefing a number of politicians at Leinster House about its recent research into the issue, which has revealed examples of such schemes across the state.

Orla O’Connor, director of NWC, said: “Women in housing difficulties are forced to choose between sexual exploitation and homelessness.

“Women across the country, in rural and urban areas, are facing this terrible situation, but despite repeated government promises, there is still no legislation to tackle this abhorrent form of exploitation.

“The impact this has on women cannot be overstated, turning the place where they should feel safest – their home – into a place of sexual exploitation.”

She added: “The Government has been aware of this issue for years, and legislation to address this would be included in the Sexual Offenses and Human Trafficking Act. That bill has come and gone, and there is still no solution for these women.

“The 2025 Budget provided little assurance that the housing crisis will be addressed in a meaningful way, and this is the underlying context in which sex-for-hire exploitation can take place. Even with legislation, until the housing and homelessness crisis is addressed, women will continue to be sexually exploited by unscrupulous landlords.”

NWC Violence Against Women Officer Feargha Ní Bhroin added: “Our report shows that students and migrant women are particularly vulnerable to sex-for-hire exploitation due to their particular difficulties in accessing suitable accommodation.

“Tenants who rent a room from a live-in landlord are also particularly vulnerable and lack the legal protection of other rental agreements.

“As students return to university this fall, there is an urgent need to ensure that all women are protected from this type of exploitation.”