Vol. 512 No. 6
215 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures, if any, he proposes to put in place in relation to the approximately 35 juveniles involved in the sex trade in Waterford (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26657/99]
Child prostitution is primarily a child protection issue: but also constitutes child sexual abuse and is a criminal offence.
The South Eastern Health Board is conscious of its responsibilities under the Child Care Act, 1991 and of the need to target services at children who are involved in prostitution or who are at risk of becoming involved in prostitution. The board has met Doras, the organisation referred to in the report, and is anxious to maintain links and to provide services to identified children.
I encourage anyone with information on the involvement of children in prostitution to notify their local health board of their concerns.
