Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 July 2012
343 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent he has identified locations for potential trafficking in children or young adults with particular reference to the need to prevent the activities of organised criminals in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33678/12]
View answer344 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent he has identified situations likely to allow trafficking in children or young adults; the intentions to address any issues arising from evidence available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33679/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 343 and 344 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of children referred to or encountered by An Garda Síochána as possible victims of human trafficking were 17 in 2009; 19 in 2010 and 13 in 2011. This includes persons identified in the course of investigations into offences contrary to the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 and the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008.
An Garda Síochána has conducted a number of investigations to combat human trafficking, including child trafficking, and will continue to do so in line with information/intelligence available to them. Ongoing training takes place for members of An Garda Síochána who are aware of the signs of human trafficking, including child trafficking. As with all crimes, members of An Garda Síochána are vigilant in their efforts to combat the crime of human trafficking and especially the trafficking of children. Locations and the circumstances of human trafficking can significantly vary and the intelligence led approach of An Garda Síochána has to be based on the particular circumstances which arise.
Under the National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat the Trafficking of Human Beings in Ireland a Working Group on Child Trafficking has been established and is chaired by my Department's Anti-Human Trafficking Unit; this Group has representatives of State organisations including An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive; non-governmental organisations and international organisations. The purpose of this Working Group is to progress actions in the Plan related to child trafficking. Specific issues of concern can be raised within this forum and directed, as appropriate, to the representatives from An Garda Síochána.
A Guide on Services for Victims of Child Trafficking has been finalised and is available on the website www.blueblindfold.gov.ie. An information leaflet setting out the signs of child trafficking will shortly be available for distribution and will also be put on the website.
