Ruhama, the organisation working with women involved in prostitution, has said people who pay women for sex should know that a big proportion of that money is going to criminal gangs.
The charity is taking part in the Labour Party forum on trafficking and the sex industry, which is being held in Kilkenny today.
Ruhama expressed particular concern that the growth in the sex industry in Ireland had extended nationwide.
It says the planned opening of a new lap-dancing club in Kilkenny City is indicative of the nationwide growth of the sex industry and its re-branding as a form of entertainment.
