GARDAI carried out operations in nine Garda Divisions, including Kerry, last week relating to prostitution offences.

During the week of the September 16-21, An Garda Síochána conducted intelligence led operations across nine DMR North, DMR East, DMR South Central, DMR West, Kilkenny/Carlow, Cork City, Kerry, Galway and Donegal Garda Divisions in both rural and urban areas targeting the demand for prostitution and to enforce legislation which criminalises the purchase of sexual services.

During the course of this intelligence led operation, thirty-eight (38) individuals where stopped and spoken to by members of An Garda Síochána, arising from suspicion of having purchased sexual services from an individual involved in prostitution.

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A number of files will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions, with a view to establishing if any criminal prosecution should be initiated, arising from the ‘Days of Action’.

These Days of Action were coordinated by the ‘Operation Quest’ team at the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, in liaison with local Detective Units and took place in furtherance of an enforcement strategy to target persons involved in the purchase of sexual services.

This is the second national operation targeting the demand for prostitution in 2019 and further operations are planned.