Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2007
106 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he will ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22328/07]
View answer128 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when Ireland will ratify the international instruments in relation to the prohibition on trafficking. [24980/07]
View answer129 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he will ratify the UN Protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons especially women and children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22327/07]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 106, 128 and 129 together.
Legislation creating offences connected with human trafficking was published by my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, on 9th October, 2007.
It is also the intention of the Minster for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to include provisions in the forthcoming Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill which will strengthen the protections available to victims of human trafficking. In particular, it is his intention to provide the necessary framework within which a victim of trafficking can remain in the State while they recover from their ordeal. It is intended that this will also give the victim the opportunity to escape the influence of those who engage in human trafficking. In addition, this interval will allow the victim time to come to a decision on whether he or she wishes to participate in any criminal proceedings in the matter. In such circumstances, a further period of residence in the State is to be provided for so to enable this to occur.
On enactment of these pieces of legislation, which I understand are being treated as an urgent priority within the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Ireland will be in a position to ratify the international instruments on trafficking in persons.
