Probe into scale of trafficking of woman and children planned

A MAJOR research project is to be undertaken to determine the scale of the illegal trafficking of woman and children into Ireland.

The Immigrant Council of Ireland announced yesterday it is commissioning the first large study of its kind into the extent of the problem in addition to examining how best to assist people who are illegally trafficked for sexual exploitation.

ICI chief executive Denise Charlton said agencies working with migrants believe the number of women and children who are forced into the illegal sex trade here is far larger than suggested by cases coming to the attention of law enforcement officials.