We have seen recent reports on the burgeoning sex industry where girls, particularly from eastern bloc countries, have been lured abroad to various western European countries, including Ireland. Organised crime is strongly involved. The collapse of the communist regimes in the eastern bloc, while welcomed by all who espouse democracy, has had the adverse effect of involving people, particularly some who were involved in state security, in organised crime. The Russian and eastern bloc mafia present a significant challenge to the European Union. With the accession of countries in that region this problem will require priority and the attention of the Community to ensure mafia tentacles are not strengthened as a consequence of accession.