Minister O'Donnell Addresses Irish Government Sponsored- Conference on Child Prostitution and Pornography in Thailand

Liz O'Donnell T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, delivered the keynote address, on ‘Development Policies and Their Impact on Children', at the international ECPAT Assembly in Bangkok on 17 September. The Assembly was also addressed by the Prime Minister of Thailand, Chuan Leekpai.

"Legislation passed in Ireland since the Stockholm Congress provides for the prosecution in Ireland of those involve in child sex tourism abroad, child pornography and trafficking of children. Other countries must do likewise, to create a political crusade globally against the abuse and trading of children's bodies for the sexual gratification of depraved adults."

While in Bangkok, the Minister also met the Thai Minister for Industry, Suwat Liptapanlop. The two Ministers agreed that Ireland and Thailand should cooperate on enterprise development, in particular the promotion of small and medium enterprises. A letter of understanding was signed, which it is hoped will lead to the provision of training and enterprise management expertise by Irish agencies and companies to Thailand.Top