JUSTICE minister Jim O’Callaghan has had proposals for new laws around ‘sex for rent’ offences approved by the cabinet today.
Mr O’Callaghan proposed the creation of two specific criminal offences around ‘sex for rent’ – offering accommodation in exchange for sex and the advertising of accommodation in exchange for sex.
The provisions encompass both rental agreements between landlords and tenants, and ‘rent-a-room’ situations.
“It is the offer or advertisement that is being criminalised – there is no requirement to prove that sexual activity occurred,” a Justice Department spokesperson explained.
The proposed penalty for the new offences is a Class A fine of up to €5,000.
“Any attempt by accommodation providers to exploit their position and prey on vulnerable individuals through these arrangements is completely unacceptable,” Minister O’Callaghan said.
“It is an appalling abuse of power by unscrupulous individuals, and it will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
He added: “This is a complex issue to legislate for but care has been taken to ensure that the offences are clear, precise and limited in scope.
“I am satisfied the provisions are workable and constitutionally sound, and do not create any unintended consequences such as inadvertently criminalising consensual relationships.”
The new offences are proposed as part of a new Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, which aims to respond to “a range of pressing challenges for the criminal justice system”.
The proposed Bill also includes measures to amend existing legislation on the disclosure of counselling records in sexual assault trials and permit members of An Garda Siochana to order the removal of face coverings at protests.
Today Mr O’Callaghan secured Government approval for the drafting of the required legislation.