Limerick people accused of turning a blind eye to underage brothel

LIMERICK people were accused of turning a blind eye to underage girls being used in brothels in the city.

Two girls, one from Africa and the other from Eastern Europe, under the age of 18 have been found working in brothels in the city.

Dr Siobhan O’Connor of Doras Luimní which gives advice and support to migrants living in Limerick said people facilitating the sexual exploitation of young women should be ashamed of themselves.

She said: “Every single time a client uses these services he is committing rape and sexual assault, and he thinks this is OK.”

Dr O’Connor said the discovery of girls under the age of 18 in brothels shows there are people in the city who think it is alright to pay to have sex with and sexually exploit a child.

Gardaí are carrying out raids on apartments which are being used as brothels.

Dr O’Connor said people were facilitating lurid activities through their actions.

She said: “By renting apartments and houses to brothel-keepers we are allowing it to happen. By not reporting when we see suspicious behaviour we are allowing it to happen. By using the services offered by brothels and escort agencies we are allowing it happen.

“By having a laugh with your mates after the match, after the stressful week in work and using a brothel we are allowing it happen. We as a society, as the people of Limerick are allowing rape to happen.”

Insp John O’Reilly said extra resources have been deployed to tackle prostitution in the city and they were also monitoring known individuals who pay for prostitutes.