Time to turn off red light

Clare TDs and senators are being asked to speed up a review of the laws on prostitution following revelations that up to 10 women are for sale online in the county.
Members of the ICA, Macra Na Feirme, many trade unions, Chambers Ireland and the Immigrant Council of Ireland have made a combined plea as hearings by the Dáil Justice Committee on the issue come to an end.
Up to 65 organisations representing every part of Irish life are involved in the Turn Off the Red Light campaign which, for the past four years, has been seeking a change in the law to end
exploitation, abuse and organised crime by targeting the demand for prostitution.
In a statement, Denise Charlton, chief executive of the Immigrant Council said, “After years of campaigning and several months of Dáil hearings, the truth is now plain for everyone to see. Irish and foreign criminal gangs are using prostitution as a low-risk, high-profit crime to line their pockets in Clare and across the country.
“Thousands of people, including emergency workers, medical staff, farmers, business people and many more from Clare have supported us, not just through their representative bodies but as individuals by supporting our email campaign to local TDs.”
“It is important to note that while our politicians have been debating this issue, the criminals have continued their evil trade. A recent check showed 10 women for sale in Clare on one day,” she continued.
After studying the experience in other countries, the Turn Off the Red Light Campaign is convinced the best way to end this is to target demand by bringing in laws against sex buyers, whose actions have brought crime to Clare and every other county.
The Immigrant Council is encouraging people in Clare to add their voices to the call for action by going to the website www.turnofftheredlight.ie/action.