New laws to ban “sex-for-rent” will tackle an issue that is “not a once-off and has become increasingly common in Ireland’s precarious housing market”, research has suggested. Last month, the Government approved the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill for publication. 'Exploitation'“The exploitation appears to predominantly impact vulnerable marginalised young women, although there are instances of men also being victims of sex-for-rent,” the research said. The research also noted that the legislation would appear to place responsibility on online platforms to ensure such advertisements are not allowed. It is expected that the new legislation will be passed into law this year.

Source: Irish Examiner January 12, 2026 11:16 UTC