A group representing sex workers say their safety is being ignored by the Government.

Their comments come as today marks 'International Sex Workers Day'.

They say they are at risk of more violence after the Government doubled the fines and the prison sentences for sex workers caught working together indoors.

Today they are speaking out on social media to highlight the realities of their lives.

Kate McGrew from Sex Workers Alliance Ireland says we need to move on from the stereotypes:

“Keeping away from polarising the issue, it is very damaging to try and thrust us into these two categories where we are either vulnerable victims or ‘happy hookers’, or something.

“The reality is much more nuanced than that. The reality is that people can make a choice voluntarily in a very strange circumstance. People are working because we need to work for money.”