Lobby group calls for laws to ban purchase of sex

68 groups involved in the 'Turn Off the Red Light' campaign will be lobbying politicians today to make it illegal to buy sex.

The groups' aim is to end prostitution and sex trafficking in Ireland. Currently, it is not illegal to buy or sell sex in Ireland, but certain activates like kerb-crawling and brothel-keeping are illegal.

Last summer, the Oireachtas Justice Committee recommended introducing laws to criminalise the purchase of sex.

The Immigrant Council of Ireland said it is vital to keep up the pressure on politicians.

"They were very clear in their recommendations, and we assume the Government will act upon it … there is phenomenal support for the change," said Denise Charlton, Chief Executive.

"Now the change needs to happen, so we're very optimistic."