The Department of Housing called the practice “abhorrent and to be condemned in the strongest possible terms”.
Concerns have been raised for the safety of Ukrainian refugees coming to Ireland following the advertising of a property in a sex-for-rent scheme directed at Ukrainians.
The Irish Examiner discovered the property being offered with an expectation for sex.
The advert asked for a “slim Ukrainian” woman, with the prospective tenant being asked to share photos before being provided with the address of the location.
“Any attempt to target a vulnerable person with an offer of accommodation in return for sexual acts, including anyone fleeing the devastating war in the Ukraine, is abhorrent and to be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” the Department of Housing said in response to the advert.
“Abusive behaviour by an accommodation provider or landlord should be reported to An Garda Síochána who will deal with any issue raised in a sensitive, timely and professional manner.”
Laws against sexual offences have strengthened in the past few years, with the introduction of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 stating that “consent must be freely and voluntarily given”.
“The Department of Justice and Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage have sought and received advice from the Attorney General on the issue,” the Department of Housing continued.
“Both departments are now working together to identify and progress appropriate legal measures on it.”
The government has launched a webpage for Ukrainian refugees with links to supports and services for when they arrive in Ireland.
The Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland has said that upwards of 80,000 refugees from Ukraine could arrive on the island over the coming months.
“It’s very difficult but I’d think probably 80,000 (refugees),” Gerasko said.
“First of all, what I would like to say, we’ve made an announcement in Ukraine that Ireland has withdrawn the visa.
“Many Ukrainians, even my friends, they don’t know that they don’t need a visa to get to Ireland.
“We will make an information campaign again in Ukraine, in Ukrainian mass media, and I’m sure that many thousands will arrive,” Gerasko added.
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