A single office with responsibility for combating human trafficking is urgently required in Ireland, a discussion on the trafficking of women and children heard yesterday.
Gráinne Healy, chairwoman of the Observatory on Violence Against Women for the European Women's Lobby, said there were several forms of trafficking and they each required different, targeted policies.
"A key aspect of tackling and preventing trafficking of women for sexual exploitation must include a focus on the host country's sex industry and measures to combat demand for commercial sexual exploitation of women," she said.
Ms Healy was speaking at a discussion on trafficking organised by the Immigrant Council of Ireland to help shape its submission to the Government's new national anti-trafficking plan.
Ms Healy said the close links between the sex industry, the pornography industry and brothels must be recognised when trying to identify women who have been trafficked to Ireland.
"Any distinction between the 'unworthy' woman in prostitution and the 'worthy' victim of trafficking is unacceptable," she added.
"All women in prostitution must be entitled to assistance and support and have access to protection."
