Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004
413 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to media reports that there is widespread trafficking in women and girls for the sex trade here and in other European countries; the steps he is taking to counteract such trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29067/04]
View answerThe Garda authorities, such as the Garda national immigration bureau, are aware of the problems of smuggling and trafficking of women and girls in Europe and from the eastern bloc countries. They have put in place structures and arrangements with a view to securing proper and effective vigilance in this country. Immigration officers at all ports of entry are continuously on alert to detect evidence to counteract any trafficking of human beings.
Garda operations to tackle the exploitation of women and girls in the sex industry have included Operation Quest. International co-operation in this area is hugely important. Representatives of the Garda have attended various working groups and committees in Europe on combating trafficking and smuggling of persons. The Garda has regular meetings with Ruhama, an Irish non-governmental organisation which assists victims of sexual exploitation. It also conducts regular investigations into the involvement of non-nationals in the sex trade.
Legislation being prepared in my Department will criminalise trafficking in human beings for the purpose of their sexual and labour exploitation, as provided for in the EU Council framework decision on combating trafficking in persons and the protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children, which supplement the UN convention against transnational organised crime. The legislation will take account of the Council of Europe's draft convention on action against trafficking in human beings. Negotiations on this instrument have not yet been completed.
