Cork senator welcomes ‘long overdue’ step towards tackling sex for rent issue 

A bill tackling ‘sex for rent’ has been approved by Cabinet, with a Cork senator calling it “a long overdue step towards outlawing a deeply abusive practice”.

Labour’s Laura Harmon made the comments as, under plans discussed earlier this week, offering accommodation in exchange for sex would become a criminal offence as would the advertising of accommodation in exchange for sex.

Outlawing this practice was a commitment in the programme for government, and Ms Harmon tabled a bill on the issue last month, with justice minister Jim O’Callaghan telling The Echo he would not oppose it, though he said: “I will make some suggestions in respect of it.”

Under the General Scheme of Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 brought to the Cabinet by Mr O’Callaghan on Tuesday, a fine of up to €5,000 will be the penalty for those convicted.

Ms Harmon said earlier this week that she was yet to see the detail of the Government bill, but that she was pleased the legislation was being progressed.

The Cork senator said she met with the justice minister on Tuesday and he confirmed that legislation had been approved by Cabinet to outlaw sex for rent.

“He commended my bill on this and it’s so welcome to see him take action on this issue, and early in his term also.

“The Government’s support to act on this is welcome and is a result of the robust discussion we had on my bill last month and pressure from civil society organisations.

“I will continue to work with the minister on this and I will work cross-party to get legislation passed.

“Sex for rent is not just an issue of exploitation — it is abuse, pure and simple”, she said, explaining that the bill “sets out in clear terms that seeking sexual acts in exchange for rent is criminal behaviour and should be treated as such”.