Sex trafficking in Ireland is thought to have made those involved as much as €250 million.
The figures come as gardaí consider releasing pictures of a teenage girl they found wandering on O'Connell St ten days ago.
The unidentified girl could be as young as 14 and is not from Ireland. She was dressed normally when she was found in daylight hours, wondering dazed around the city centre. She has been unable to speak to anyone, but authorities fear she may be the victim of sex trafficking after she drew pictures of herself apparently being raped.
Interpol has been called in try and identify the girl.
Immigrant Council warning
The Immigrant Council of Ireland has warned that while the circumstances of this case were yet to be established, the trafficking of children is a reality here.
In 2012, some 23 of the 48 trafficking victims identified were children and most were sexually exploited.
Nusha Yonkova, an anti-trafficking co-ordinator, said: "The figures should alarm us all and underlines the need for urgent political action both nationally and at EU level.
"This week the European Parliament will hear that over 270,000 victims are trafficked for sexual exploitation in the EU each year with 'Mafia-type' criminal networks pocketing €25 billion.
"It is estimated that up to €250 million of that is from Ireland.
"Together, with the 68 Irish organisations which make up the Turn Off The Red Light Campaign, we believe the best way to end this evil trade is to target demand, in other words the buyers of sex."
Meanwhile, the HSE has secured a temporary care order for the girl, and detectives are considering getting permission from the courts to release her photo to try to identify her.
