National Team Championships ‘catalyst for sex trafficking’

There was a huge demand for sex workers at the national team championships in Co Laois last week, according to a charity that helps victims of sexual exploitation.

Ruhama said large-scale events attended mainly by men were “major catalysts” for sexual exploitation. The Alliance to End Human Trafficking, an anti-trafficking group, has previously drawn attention to the issue.

The Ploughing Championships, which took place from 17 to 19 September, is an annual agricultural show and competition in Ratheniska. This year’s event attracted almost 250,000 visitors.

Barbara Condon, CEO of Ruhama, said: “We know from the women we work with and from Garda Intelligence when the peak times are for sex purchases. We know that major sporting events are major catalysts for sexual exploitation: the Six