Group backs sex trafficking moves

Dáil moves to look at reform of prostitution laws have been welcomed by the Immigrant Council of Ireland.

The council is one of 62 organisations which make up the Turn Off the Red Light Campaign seeking a law to end exploitation, abuse and trafficking by targeting the buyers of sex.

The council will appear before the Oireachtas justice committee next month as it probes prostitution laws.

Denise Charlton, of the council said: “After three years of campaigning we have now reached a crucial stage in our efforts to end the scourge of sex trafficking and letting victims know Ireland will no longer be a safe haven for pimps, traffickers and organised crime.

“We welcome the invitation to appear before the Justice Committee and look forward to elaborating on the detailed written submission we made on this issue in August.

“In the past three years alone 29 children have been identified as being sex trafficked in Ireland, a figure which alone shows our laws are failing,” said Ms Charlton.