Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022
402. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the role of An Garda Síochána when an unaccompanied minor migrant is identified in an Irish sea or airport when an unaccompanied minor migrant is seeking to be reunited with a family member; if trafficking assessments are carried out as part of this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5807/22]
View answerHuman trafficking is a heinous crime based on deception and exploitation of vulnerable people. Combatting it is, and will continue to be, a priority for this Government.
An Garda Síochána has committed significant resources to the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking in Ireland. A specialised Garda Unit, the Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit (HTICU), has been in place since 2009 to conduct investigations into human trafficking. It also provides advice, support and where necessary, operational assistance to investigations at district level. An Garda Síochána is also active in relation to trafficking gangs through work targeting organised crime - targeting their finances, their use of the internet and by working closely with other jurisdictions.
When separated children seeking international protection arrive at an Irish port the International Protection Office, An Garda Síochána or the Border Management Unit contact Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to assess the child’s circumstances.
I have been informed that Tusla’s assessment of the child’s circumstances includes an assessment of how the child arrived in Ireland, and includes any concerns in relation to child trafficking.
Separated children may present for reunification, sometimes with an agent, to be reunified with a family member in Ireland or the UK.
I am further informed that under Tusla’s obligations under the Child Care Act, 1991, and Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children, 2015, Tusla considers the risk of harm that a young person(s) may be in, including working with other state agencies on the possibility that the child may have been trafficked.
If required, the child is received into care until a more extensive child protection and welfare assessment can be undertaken and interagency working continues as required. If the outcome of the Social Work assessment is that the child is at risk of harm and should not be reunified with the alleged guardian/parent, then in accordance with the Tusla/An Garda Síochána joint protocol, Tusla forwards notifications of child abuse (indicating suspected trafficking) to An Garda Síochána, who determine if a crime has been committed and any criminal investigations into trafficking.
