The Minister for Children says she'll consider legislation to ban child beauty pageants in Ireland.
However, Frances Fitzgerald has told the Seanad that she doesn't think she can introduce laws to ban the events altogether.
She was speaking during a debate on a call to ban the events in Ireland, which was passed unanimously.
Minister Fitzgerald says she believes Ireland can put a stop to child pageants without needing to pass new laws:
Politicians united in anger last September when a 'Toddlers and Tiaras'-style pageant was due to be held in Balbriggan in Dublin - the first of its kind in Ireland.
However after protests, Universal Royalty Beauty Pageant was forced to host the event in a pub in Co. Monaghan.
At the time Minister Fitzgerald said the event was exploitative and encouraged the early sexualisation of young girls.
Members from all parties had signed a motion condemning child beauty pageants, saying they breach the rights of children under the United Nations Convention.
