Eamonn Coghlan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

However, five year old children do not look in the mirror and decide they are more beautiful than their school friends and they should compete with them on that basis. It is the parents exploiting their children who create that competitiveness.

Research tells us that there are several components to sexualisation which set it apart from a healthy sexuality. Sexualisation occurs when a person's self-esteem comes only from his or her sexual appeal or behaviour, to the exclusion of other characteristics. A report by the American Psychological Association states that a sexuality which is imposed on somebody rather than being undertaken by choice is evidence of sexualisation. Here in Ireland, legal adulthood and the ability to give consent is set at 17 years of age. In the case of child beauty pageants, however, the children's consenting parents permit them to participate, pay their entry fees, dress them up, train them and allow them to perform on stage in front of judges and an audience. Who are these parents trying to appease? Certainly not normal people. Are they trying to gratify their own egos or do they really believe there is a benefit for their children?

If so, I disagree because the people they are trying to appease are paedophiles, the very people from whom we are trying to protect our children.

Worldwide, the children's pageant industry is worth billions of dollars. Television networks air on-demand shows such as "Toddlers and Tiaras" and "Little Miss Perfect". The viewership figures for these programmes imply that many adults not only condone these activities but also view children as sexual objects. We must protect our children.

As the Taoiseach stated, we want Ireland to be the best small country in the world in which to do business. We also want Ireland to be the best small country in the world in which to raise children. We must not condone the activities taking place in child pageants. Ireland should adopt the guidelines introduced in France to protect the innocence of childhood. Healthier activities and hobbies should be promoted and we should encourage greater participation in older games, physical activities and sports. I thank the Minister and congratulate Senator van Turnhout on raising this issue in the House.