Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2021
180. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to reports from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission that an emerging trend in human trafficking into Ireland involves the trafficking of pregnant women for the purposes of illegal adoption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49942/21]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) is the National Rapporteur on the Trafficking of Human Beings, as provided for in Article 19 of the EU Directive on preventing and combatting trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims.
The role of the National Rapporteur includes the identification of potential trends and risks in the trafficking of human beings.
I understand that the potential risk of trafficking into Ireland for purposes of forced adoption is one possible emerging risk that is referenced in the forthcoming submission by IHREC to the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings in advance of the Third Evaluation Round of Ireland. This submission will be published by IHREC on 18 October 2021 and any possible emerging risks identified therein will be assessed and appropriate action taken.
