The Justice Minister has given the clearest hint yet that she will make it illegal to pay for sex.

Frances Fitzgerald says she is investigating whether there might be any unintended consequences if she makes it illegal for people to pay for sex.

Irish law currently makes it illegal to solicit someone for sex, but not to pay for sex itself.

Some campaigners believe banning the purchase of sex is the best way to fight human trafficking.

Minister Fitzgerald says she can see the merit of the idea:

The Minister was speaking at a conference to mark EU Anti Human Trafficking Day at Dublin's Mansion House. She discussed the need to update legislation to deal with a 'transnational and cross-continent situation':