New laws criminalising people who pay for sex have passed their first hurdle in the Seanad.

Senators who spent the day debating The Sexual Offences Bill have agreed to move it forward to Committee Stage next Tuesday.

The bill covers a wide range of areas including child pornography and online grooming however it doesn't decriminalise prostitution.

It is hoped the law will also crack down on international sex trafficking.

Brian Killoran, Chief Executive of the Immigrant Council added that the decision “underlines the widespread political support for the targeting of demand for prostitution and sex trafficking with laws focusing on the buyers of sex. “