Ireland could be ‘safe haven’ for traffickers

As the Government prepares to finally launch its public consultation on criminalising users of prostitutes, experts have warned it may already be too late as Ireland is set to become a haven for traffickers.

With Scotland set to become the latest country to prosecute the punter, the fear is that even greater numbers of prostitutes — and traffickers — may be driven here.

Denise Charlton of the Immigrant Council of Ireland said: “With Scotland joining the list of countries introducing new laws there is a real danger that Ireland could become a safe haven for traffickers, pimps, and others who have no regard for human rights.”