asked the Minister for Health and Children the surveys, if any, that have been undertaken regarding child prostitution; if he will outline the findings of these surveys, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10271/98]
Written Answers. - Child Prostitution.
96
Some limited research has been undertaken on the issue of child prostitution in Ireland. The following are details of studies on the issue of which I am aware: "Report of the Working Party on Children in Prostitution", Eastern Health Board 1997; Mid Western Health Board research study 1997-98; North Eastern Health Board study; "Towards an investigation of prostitution among homeless boys in Ireland", John Leinster, Trinity College, Dublin, 1991; "Street Children Report", Barnardo's, Dublin, 8 December 1996; "Children on Inner City Streets in Dublin", Barnardo's Research 1997, and " Prostitution in Waterford City — A Contemporary Analysis" (Niall McElwee and Kevin Lalor), 1997.
Findings of the health board surveys are summarised as follows. A survey published by the Eastern Health Board in September 1997 identified 47 children and ten young people aged 18 or over who were, or who had been, engaged in prostitution. A strong link was found between homelessness and children who were engaged in prostitution. The report also highlights the fact that the children who are engaged in prostitution are victims of child abuse and should be responded to as such. The recommendations in the report form the basis of a programme of work on this issue for the Eastern Health Board for 1998.
At the end of 1997 and in early 1998, a research study was undertaken by the Mid-Western Health Board investigating the nature and extent of prostitution in the region. Specific attention was given to juveniles involved or vulnerable to becoming involved in prostitution or situations of exploitative sexual activity. Up to 20 young people were identified as being involved or suspected of being involved. Difficulties were experienced in collecting information because of the covert nature of this activity. The report emphasises that in most cases it is unclear whether the activities can be termed "commercial" and within the confines of prostitution and sexual exploitation or whether they fall within the realms of consensual underage sexual activity. The research suggests that involvement in prostitution adversely affects the young persons long-term social, psychological, sexual and emotional development. The report will be presented to the next meeting of the Mid-Western Health Board.
An informal study carried out by community workers in the North Eastern Health Board area identified a problem in relation to the sexual exploitation of children in the Dundalk area. The initial informal study identified a group of 12 young people as being at risk. The board's staff are offering individual care services to the young people already identified and together with its voluntary partners are developing an early intervention and outreach project for young people who may be at risk.
I am aware of the need to provide outreach services including counselling, advice and practical assistance for children and young people who are identified as being involved in prostitution. As outlined above and in my reply to the Deputy on 4 March 1998, where problems are identified health boards have initiated a response. I am also concerned that young people at risk are prevented from drifting into prostitution in the first place. Existing neighbourhood youth projects, day projects for out of home young people, after school projects, after care services and child care and family support services all serve to reduce this risk.