Ms Monica O'Connor:

Yes, the research indicated that 11% of the 102 women and girls who were trafficked were under age at the time of being trafficked. That has been borne out by the Garda National Immigration Bureau and its trafficking figures. Between 10% and 20% of those trafficked are under age when identified. However, what is really critical is that very often by the time women are encountered within prostitution or identified as having been trafficked, they are over age but when asked about their age at point of entry, one often finds it was between 14 and 16. One of the women I interviewed for my research, for example, was 18 at the time of interview but was 15 when she left Romania. The issue of age of encounter and age of entry into the industry is important in terms of policing and services. Basically, in response to the question, around 10% of those trafficked or involved in prostitution are minors.