Council hopes anniversary can be a 'wake-up call' on organised crime

The Immigrant Council of Ireland is hoping to press ahead with the debate against organised crime.

The call marks the first anniversary of a review of the laws on prostitution. However, the council wants to see a conclusion to the issue and firm action taken.

The Council is warning that while the debate has dragged on, pimps and traffickers have been continuing their threats, abuse and violence against women and girls.

The Immigrant Council is one of 68 groups which form the 'Turn Off the Red Light' campaign seeking laws targeting the buyers of sex to end abuse, violence and sex-trafficking.

Denise Charlton, the Chief Executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said: "This time marks the passing of the anniversary of a review of the laws on prostitution and the Immigrant Council is part of a campaign with 68 other organisations and we're really hopeful.

"We are calling for that time lapse to be a wake-up call to move the debate now to a conclusion so we can take firm action against organised crime in this country."