Donegal's growing sex trade confirmed
The growing trade in illegal sex workers in Donegal has resulted in a national charity confirming they have assisted a number of women involved in prostitution in Letterkenny and Inishowen.
It's understood the sex trade - involving ron-nationals and some Irish citizens, is, according to a Dublin charity, being run by criminal gangs who move in and out of Donegal.
A spokesperson for national charity, Ruhama, which works on a national level with women affected by prostitution, says they have been involved with assisting a number of sex workers in the Letterkenny and Inishowen areas.
Speaking to the Donegal Democrat, Communication and Policy Manager for Ruhama, Geraldine Rowley says she can confirm they have assisted a number of woman in the county who were all non-nationals.
She said many of those involved in "off street prostitution", which takes place in hotels, rented houses and apartments, as opposed to women who work the streets, are trafficked from places like as South America, Africa and Eastern Europe and all are controlled by dangerous criminal gangs.
She said what makes the problem so difficult to trace is that many of the women are transported continuously around the country "like any other commercial business", often only spending short periods of time in the county.
"Yes, prostitution is in Donegal and yes, we have worked with them in Donegal. I can confirm that. A woman could be there for a week or two and she is moved on," Geraldine stated.
Reflection of entire country
"Donegal is just another reflection of the entire country in that it is not specific by any means, its in every county and it follows the same pattern where people are moved around so they can be in several locations and into Northern Ireland as well. These criminals only see Ireland as an island."
She adds that the growing number of men across Donegal who are engaging the services of prostitutes are fuelling the problem and large amounts of money paid to the women, in some cases up to 100%, goes to the criminal gangs who control them through fear and intimidation
She said some websites are advertising Donegal as an area promoting prostitution.
"Some of the workers in Donegal were controlled by foreign people and others weren't. There are Irish people involved and the majority of the consumers are local. They are part of the equation as well. If there wasn't people in Donegal purchasing, then there wouldn't be prostitution there" she added.
For more information or to make a donation to the charity visit www.ruhama.ie
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