Lap-dancing will increase trafficking - group

An increase in the number of lapdancing clubs in the Republic will lead a rise in trafficking and the abuse of women, it was claimed today.

Ruhama, a voluntary group that works with prostitutes, said it was supporting Dublin residents who oppose the planned opening of a lap-dancing club by Peter Stringfellow in Parnell Street, later this month.

"Ruhama is concerned about the proliferation of lap dancing clubs in Ireland," Ruhama spokeswoman Gerardine Rowley said.

"Internationally it is well recognised that lap dancing clubs are part and parcel of the sex industry and a breeding ground for prostitution, trafficking and other crimes."

Mr Stringfellow will apply for a dance licence at the Richmond District Court tomorrow but the North Inner City Residents' Group is expected to object because of the club's location close to a complex for the elderly, a girls' secondary school, and a popular toy shop.

Ms Rowley said the group believed the introduction of lap-dancing clubs gives "respectability" to the sexual exploitation of women and desensitises people to the harm involved.

"We have huge concern for the women who dance in these clubs, most of whom are foreign nationals - and we know little of their backgrounds or how they are being exploited," she added.

"We have spoken to women whose path to prostitution was via lap-dancing clubs. There has been an increase in the number of women trafficked into Ireland for the purpose of prostitution."

She said the group was aware of just under 100 women who had been trafficked into the Republic to work in lap-dancing clubs.

"We would be naïve to think that the proliferation of 'lap-dancing clubs' here will not lead to increases in trafficking and abuse of women".

Mr Stringfellow has insisted his lap-dancing club will be a boost to the north inner city. But local Labour Party councillor Aodhan O'Riordain said residents were concerned that the club would draw prostitutes from other areas of the city towards the Parnell Street area.

"I am fully in support of the residents in this campaign. This fight is only begining and Mr Stringfellow needs to understand that we're not going to be silenced easily," Mr O'Riordain said.