Northern Sound has received reports of brothels operating in the Cavan Town area. A group called Escort Ireland Watch contacted this station to report prostitution at three town centre addresses. In way of evidence that brothels are operating in Cavan, the group sent screenshots of text messages purporting to be between five different females and an anonymous texter trying to arrange meet-ups.
The screenshots show the females text back with times to meet at three properties in Cavan Town including two apartments in one complex and a house. In a statement, An Garda Síochána, said they were aware of a group regarding the sale of sex around Ireland and added that the "sale of sexual services in Ireland is not a criminal offence". Gardaí also said they regularly engage with people that work in the sex trade and carry out safeguarding checks. These checks serve to help officers identify vulnerable individuals who may be sexually exploited, trafficked or under threat, their statement said.
Aontú Cavan County Councillor Sarah O'Reilly said purchasing sex is a crime as is human or sex trafficking and coercive or financial control: "Well, it's not illegal to provide sex for sale but it is illegal to purchase sexual services from a prostitute," Cllr O'Reilly told Northern Sound, "IN many cases of prostitution it is the circumstances surrounding why some women are involved that's concerning. These elements create a complex web of exploitation which is difficult for women to break free from. This highlights the urgent need for awareness and intervention in addressing both trafficking and prostitution."
