Ms Patricia Stapleton:

We have had real concerns about people's ages. Most of the women we have encountered via outreach services have been aged between 18 and 25 years. We have often wondered if some were younger, but gardaí in Limerick are very aware and active in ensuring where women are present on the streets that no one under age is being exploited. Generally, women are not much older than 25 years; therefore, it is an issue which involves young women.

I agree that demand has increased owing to the normalisation of pornography. The increased use of technology, including mobile phones and the Internet, is a huge driving force. There is normalisation via pornography, films and myths, but the issue is more complex than this. Public awareness campaigns are very important and should target those in schools and at third level. Workshops, for example, could be used to get people to think about these issues and what prostitution actually is and where people come from. That is the way forward. Awareness-raising is fundamental.