A bill to be published in the next few days will criminalise the purchase of sex and reform the law on incest as well as implementing recommendations of the joint committee on child protection.

The measure, which was noted by ministers at today's Cabinet meeting, will not decriminalise prostitution.

It follows a report by the Justice Committee which examined the area.

The bill will also strengthen the law in relation to child pornography and grooming children for sex.

It will also remove an anomaly whereby men and women faced different penalties if convicted of incest.

The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill is to be published later this week or next Monday.