A major garda operation into the sex trade in Dublin has discovered that some women had turned to prostitution to pay for their children's communions.

According to Irish Daily Mail, some mothers admitted to selling sex to raise up to €1,000 for the celebrations.

A recent survey by Ulster Bank said that parents spent an average of €764 for the child's communion - an increase on the figure last year.

However it is thought that this figure does not include elements such as outfits and any extra entertainment.

The sting, named 'Operation Kerb', has resulted in more than 100 convictions.

Ruhama is welcoming the crackdown on street prostitution in the city.

Gerardine Rowley is a spokeswoman for Ruhama. She is welcoming the operation and is calling for a nationwide roll out of a sex trade crackdown.