The general scheme of the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 proposes to create two specific criminal offences of offering accommodation in exchange for sex and advertising of accommodation in exchange for sex.

The provisions encompass rental agreements between landlords and tenants as well as ‘rent-a-room’ situations.

As it is the offer or advertisement that is proposed to be criminalised, there is no requirement for prosecutors to prove that sexual activity occurred.

The proposed penalty for these offences is a Class A fine of up to €5,000.

Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “Any attempt by accommodation providers to exploit their position and prey on vulnerable individuals through these arrangements is completely unacceptable.

“It is an appalling abuse of power by unscrupulous individuals, and it will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

“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 National Women’s Council (NWC) has long called for legislation to outlaw sex-for-rent practices.

Ivanna Youtchak, the NWC’s violence against women co-ordinator with NWC, said: “Sex-for-rent exploitation forces vulnerable women in precarious housing situations to choose between sexual exploitation and homelessness.

“The impact that this has on women cannot be overstated, making the very place they should feel safest — their home — a place of sexual exploitation.”

She added: “Ultimately, we will only end this sexual exploitation by successfully tackling the housing crisis and ensuring safe, quality housing and accommodation is available for everyone who needs it.”