The housing crisis is being used as a marketplace for sexual predators.
That's according to the Labour Party.
Its introduced a bill to the Seanad to ban 'Sex for Rent' Adverts.
Labour Senator Laura Harmon says there's been a rise in accommodation being offered for sexual services in lieu of rent.
She wants "real consequences" for perpetrators.
Laura Harmon says this new bill is a first step, but the Justice Minister should take further action:
"Ireland's ongoing crisis has exacerbated the prevalence of sex for rent offers," she told the Seanad.
"With soaring rent prices, a shortage of affordable housing, many individuals are finding themselves in desperate situations."
The Senator says that "creates an environment where exploitative individuals can take advantage of those in need."
Vulnerable Adults
Senator Laura Harmon says she's heard reports of young people, non Irish renters, and vulnerable adults being particularly targeted;
"There are not enough refuge places for people fleeing domestic violence," she said, adding, "homelessness figures are rising, you know this Minister," addressing the Justice Minister, who wasn't actually present during the speech in the Seanad.
"Rents are going up, there are limited protections for licensee agreements in digs," the Senator continued.
She concluded, "the cost of living is soaring, food prices are rising, so the housing crisis is the backdrop in which these predators are operating."
