30 children trafficked in Ireland for sexual abuse

At least 30 children were trafficked throughout Ireland for sexual abuse and exploitation between 2013 and 2014, a Dáil debate seeking Ireland’s first ever laws specifically targeting child grooming has heard.

Fine Gael backbencher Marcella Corcoran Kennedy and Fianna Fáil justice spokesperson Niall Collins revealed the “shocking” figure as they urged renewed action to ensure children and teens of all backgrounds are given the protection they need.

Speaking during the morning debate on her private members bill which is seeking to specifically outlaw child grooming, an issue which will now be subsumed into the Government’s imminent wider sexual offences bill, Ms Corcoran Kennedy said despite high-profile cases most people are unaware of the scale of the crisis for some children in Ireland.