Newly-published research shows there are five times more sex channels available here than anywhere else in Europe.

North Down DUP Assembly member Peter Weir has added his voice to calls for tighter broadcasting regulations, and blamed adult channels for helping to increase infection.

According to recently released figures pornography is the fasting, growing genre on our screens, with more adult channels now than channels for children.

There are currently 27 X-rated channels - twice the amount of news channels - available in Northern Ireland and Britain through satellite and cable.

On mainland Europe, Italy has just one dedicated sex channel, Spain has two and France four. The nearest rival for most porn channels after the UK is Germany, with five.

Mr Weir expressed his concerns about the "mushrooming" explosion of pornography on TV.

"This is illustrative of a society that is becoming obsessed with sex," he said. "What is tolerated on television has changed dramatically in the last number of years."

He accused the TV sex industry of targeting the most vulnerable sections of society through subscriptions and text message services.

Mr Weir also hit out at the tabloid Press who "seem to want to portray individuals as sexual objects".

He warned: "It is little coincidence that the sex trade and rates of sexually transmitted infections are growing in Northern Ireland."

Broadcasting rules state adult sex scenes can only be shown on television between 10pm and 5.30am on channels that need a PIN number.

Campaigners have also raised concerns about the accessibility of pornography on television to children.

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