Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2016
165. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to immediately appoint an independent national rapporteur on human trafficking to bring Ireland into line with other European states and to ensure robust measures are in place to combat this crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10698/16]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, a second National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking In Ireland, setting out Ireland's anti human trafficking strategy for the coming years, has been drafted. The Plan was developed in cooperation and consultation with our national and international partners and has regard to our commitments under international instruments and developments at European Union and Council of Europe level on Human Trafficking.
In 2015 a draft of the Plan was issued to civil society organisations active in this field. Submissions from 13 organisations and one individual were received; a Round-table meeting was held with Civil Society to discuss the issues raised in the written submissions. The feedback and outcome from these consultations and submissions, as well as recommendations for Ireland made by bodies monitoring implementation of the international instruments in this area, were taken into account when finalising the draft Plan.
The new Plan provides for consideration to be given to how further elements of independent oversight could be brought to this policy area and the issue of the potential role that could be played by a National Rapporteur will be examined in that context.
Arrangements to allow for the publication of this Plan, including submission to Government, are being put in place and I expect that publication will occur in the near future.
