Senior figures in the Labour Party led by deputy leader Joan Burton and former leader Pat Rabbitte have called on the Government to give local authorities the power to prevent lap-dancing clubs and "adult shops" from opening.
They both attended a Labour Party national women's forum in Kilkenny on Saturday on "human trafficking and the sex industry" the day after a pole-and-lap-dancing club opened in the city.
Local councillors have complained that they did not have the power under current laws to prevent the venue from opening.
However the Minister with responsibility for local government, John Gormley who was in Kilkenny for a separate engagement, told The Irish Times he could not make a specific commitment to grant such power to councils as he did not wish to "pre-empt" a forthcoming Government policy document.
While it is his "intention to empower local authorities", the precise nature of the reforms was still "a matter for debate and discussion". He will begin a nationwide tour to consult with councils next month.
Mr Rabbitte said lap-dancing clubs are part of the "sex industry and many of the people who perform in them are non-national in origin and at least some are trafficked".
Gerardine Rowley from Ruhama, which helps women involved in prostitution, said the sex industry was "re-branding itself as entertainment" and claimed "the lap-dancing industry in Ireland is linked to prostitution and trafficking".
Ms Rowley said women in Kilkenny should "use your power" and consider picketing the new club.
