Niall Collins
Question:487. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the national action plan on human trafficking will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11858/15]
View answerTuesday, 24 March 2015
Questions (487, 488, 489)
Niall Collins
Question:488. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the recommendation of frontline agencies Doras Luimní, the Immigrant Council of Ireland, and Ruhama in a submission to the European Commission that an independent rapporteur on human trafficking be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11859/15]
View answerNiall Collins
Question:489. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to ensure Ireland meets its international commitments to provide safe and secure housing for victims of trafficking, by ending the practice of placing them in direct provision centres where there is a danger of intimidation and further abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11860/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 487 to 489, inclusive, together.
A new National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking in Ireland is at an advanced stage of drafting in my Department. I anticipate that this draft plan will be issued for consultation to civil society organisation active in this field in the near future. This new Plan seeks to build on progress made to date in this area and address issues raised in independent international evaluations of Ireland's response to this important issue.
The new National Action Plan will outline both the Government's strategic approach to this issue as well as setting out a clear work programme for the relevant state authorities to collaborate with civil society in advancing the fight against trafficking and enhancing the protection of victims. Among the key priorities of Ireland's Anti-Trafficking Strategy are to:
- Prevent trafficking in human beings,
- Identify, assist and protect victims of trafficking in human beings,
- Ensure an effective criminal justice response,
- Ensure effective co-ordination and co-operation between key actors, both nationally and internationally,
- Increase the level of knowledge of emerging trends in the trafficking of human beings, and
- Continue to ensure an effective response to child trafficking.
These key priorities will be reflected in the new Plan and the approach to its implementation will, first and foremost, be victim-centred. Allied to that will be the aim of ensuring an effective criminal justice response to the perpetrators of this evil crime. The partnership structure, which was put in place under the first National Action Plan, will continue to be supported.
I have, since my appointment as Minister for Justice & Equality, met with a number of stakeholders, including civil society organisations, to discuss the issue of human trafficking and have received submissions in relation to their views on the matter which will be further considered in the formal consultation process which will be commenced with the issuing of the draft Plan. This consultation process will encompass both an invitation for comment as well as formal meetings with key stakeholder groups through standing working group structures.
The drafting of the new National Action Plan provides an opportunity to address in detail the full range of support and protection policies in place; the issue of independent oversight in this area will also be considered in this context.