Child sex trafficking victims treble

The number of children suspected of being trafficked for sexual exploitation has more than trebled, according to official figures.

The Annual Report of Trafficking in Human Beings in Ireland for 2012 shows 23 minors were reported as victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation in 2012, compared with seven in 2011.

The report, compiled by the anti-human trafficking unit in the Department of Justice, said 19 of the 23 victims were Irish minors.