Shocking figures emerge following Dáil debate on child grooming in Ireland

The Dáil has heard, during a debate on the introduction of laws which specifically target child grooming, that at least 30 children were trafficked for sexual abuse and exploitation in Ireland between 2013 and 2014.

The figures were revealed by backbencher Marcella Corcoran Kennedy and Fianna Fáil justice spokesperson Niall Collins during Friday morning's session.

Using the statistics to promote the importance of her private member bill which seeks to specifically outlaw child grooming, Ms. Corcoran Kennedy asserted that the Irish public are oblivious to the extent at which these cases occur.

While high-profile cases do come to the public's attention, she insisted that the extent of the problem is far-reaching and requires urgent attention.

Explaining the gravity of the situation, Ms. Corcoran Kennedy relied on figures to illustrate the number of children "who are being moved around our own country to be sexually exploited”.

Echoing her concerns, Niall Collins told the Dáil that children the length and breadth of Ireland are being targeted and put at risk by "a very sinister part of our own society."

Ms. Corcoran Kennedy's bill, which aims to make child grooming a specific crime, has been backed by all parties and will see offenders imprisoned for up to 14 years should they contact a child online or via text regardless of whether a physical meeting takes place.

As it stands, individuals who groom children can be arrested under the existing 1998 Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, but this can only be done after “two or more” online contacts and when a physical meeting has occurred.

This new bill is due to be included in the government's wider sexual offences bill which will be published in the coming days.