HORROR has been expressed after it emerged that a Clare landlord offered accommodation to a Ukrainian woman in a sex-for-rent arrangement.
A landlord based in Co Clare had been attempting to entice women fleeing the war in Ukraine to free accommodation in return for sex. The Irish Examiner reported on Tuesday that a property in Clare was on offer for free to a “slim Ukrainian” woman, with an expectation of sex.
Exact details on the location of the property are not yet known, The Clare Echo understands that the landlord will not reveal its whereabouts to prospective renters until he sees a photograph of the woman, he then decides based on their appearance if they are suitable.
This behaviour has been labelled “abhorrent” by the Department of Housing. “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 stated.
Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) voiced his disgust with the conduct, “this is disgusting, abhorrent and pathetic in every way possible”. He added, “It’s beyond belief that somebody would use such a devastating situation to exploit a person forced to flee their home country and arrive into the unknown.
“Unfortunately, the sex industry has always exploited vulnerable women and children and seized on opportunities like war, persecution and famine to enslave them. The disgusting individual referenced in this story thankfully is unrepresentative of the incredible generosity, solidarity and spirit of care that most Clare, and Irish people overall, are instinctively showing,” the Meelick native added.
Deputy Crowe has written to Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee (FG) asking that her department look at a fast-track vetting regime for offers of accommodation. “It’s desperately sad that this request is needed but sadly, there are people out there like this man who will take advantage at any given opportunity. You can be sure that the vast, vast majority of offers are genuine and instinctively caring but we, nonetheless, need to have stringent oversight to ensure that people fleeing here from war-torn Ukraine are being safely and appropriately accommodated”.
Crowe concluded, “I believe this matter is of extreme urgency so that the genuine people out there who want to help can do so and more importantly, so that the Ukrainians arriving into our country at their most desperate hour of need experience our world-famous thousand welcomes – and don’t get met by pathetic individuals like this man.”
