Women working in Irish lap dancing clubs are at risk of becoming involved in prostitution, the voluntary organisation Ruhama warned today.
The group expressed concern at the growing number of clubs in Ireland.
"In many countries, including EU countries, lap dancing leads many women into prostitution and this is our main concern about the development of Irish clubs," Director of Ruhama Ms Maura Connolly said today at a press conference.
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Although she said there was no evidence to suggest that Irish lap dancing had led women into prostitution in the past, she commented that "if the story in other EU countries is replicated the outcome here is inevitable".
According to Ms Connolly, there are approximately twelve lap dancing clubs in Ireland, with at least ten women dancers in each.
"We ask the Irish media and the Irish people to look at this industry more critically and take on board the reality of the international experience," she said.
Ruhama is a non governmental organisation working with and for women involved in prostitution, and is committed to raising awareness on issues surrounding prostitution at national, European and international levels.