Working with our Northern Ireland counterparts on Criminal Justice issues has always been a priority and this is showcased in a number of ongoing initiatives such as the Shared Island events, including the recent event in Kells that was focused on tackling gender-based violence and abuse. The Deputy may also be aware that human trafficking has been on the agenda for the North South Project Advisory Group (PAG) on victims.I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department and in An Garda Síochána are committed to continuing to work with their counterparts in Northern Ireland and to maintaining close relationships, and this applies also in the area of combatting human trafficking.The forthcoming National Action Plan on trafficking will further reflect our commitment to maintain a close working relationship with our colleagues in Northern Ireland, including the development of joint projects where relevant. One of the draft actions of the National Action Plan is to explore how we can further work together to identify key learning points and common themes from victim referrals.I have requested information relevant to the question posed from the Garda authorities and I will contact the Deputy directly once that information is received.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to your Parliamentary Question No. 153 of 25 January 2023 asking about the progress my officials and An Garda Síochána have made with their equivalents in Northern Ireland in respect of developing an all-Ireland database to record cases of human trafficking on the island of Ireland. You will recall that at the time I contacted An Garda Síochána to request the information relevant to the question posed and I undertook to write to you as soon as the information was to hand. I am advised by the Garda Authorities that there are a number of initiatives between An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to combat human trafficking, which I set out below. The two police services work very closely together to tackle this heinous crime and indeed there is ongoing liaison between my Department and the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland on human trafficking issues.
I understand that there is a recommendation for a database in the Mary Immaculate College Report 2021. While the report is a very useful resource for our work to tackle human trafficking, there are real difficulties with the concept of a joint database between two police services in two separate jurisdictions and I am advised by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to develop such a database.
Joint Agency Task Force (JATF)
In November 2015, the Irish and British governments and the Northern Ireland Executive agreed a series of measures in A Fresh Start, the Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan, one of which was the creation of a Joint Agency Task Force (JATF) as part of a concerted and enhanced effort to tackle organised and cross-jurisdictional crime.
The JATF is led by senior personnel within An Garda Síochána and the PSNI, the Revenue Commissioners and HM Revenue and Customs. A number of other organisations including the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and the UK’s National Crime Agency are involved in JATF-related operational activity.
Based on a strategic assessment of threat risk and harm, 6 priority areas were identified for targeted activity by the relevant agencies. The Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) are responsible for the priority area of human trafficking and participate in operational activity undertaken to tackle relevant criminality where there is a cross-border element identified as part of the work of the JATF. Such participation involves the holding of meetings of relevant representatives of An Garda Síochána through the GNPSB and the PSNI.
Cross-Border Cooperation
The Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit (HTICU) and the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit (OPIU) attached to GNPSB continue to work closely with the PSNI Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Unit (MSHTU).
The easing of Covid-19 restrictions has given rise to an increase in joint cooperation and joint working between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána, both north and south of the border. In this reporting period, An Garda Síochána and the PSNI have been in a position to carry out various joint Days of Action in the crime areas of human trafficking, sexual exploitation in the prostitution trade and organised prostitution.
It is hoped that over the next year that plans can recommence for PSNI/AGS officer exchange and joint deployments in each jurisdiction. GNPSB continue to have regular conference calls between the units and provide assistance to each other with ongoing investigations north and south of the border that invariably have cross-border links.
In August 2022, in-person planning meetings recommenced. These meetings have proved vital in the sharing of information and emerging trends in the areas of human trafficking and organised prostitution. It is recognised that human trafficking and organised prostitution, work hand in hand with each other. These planning meetings are also used by the PSNI and An Garda Síochána to plan for Multi-Agency Joint Days of Action during that reporting period.
Owing to the increasing cross border element involved in human trafficking, An Garda Síochána and the PSNI are continually supporting and communicating with each other on emerging trends and changes north and south of the border in the crime areas of human trafficking and organised prostitution. This continued cooperation assists in progressing investigations and in ensuring the continued safety and welfare of potential victims.
The PSNI and An Garda Síochána, along with the relevant State agencies and non-government organisations (NGOs), are involved in the All Ireland Partnership roundtable talks to end Sexual Exploitation on the Island of Ireland. The first meeting was held in Dublin in June 2022, with the second following in October 2022 in Belfast.
Joint Cross Border Operations
An Garda Síochána and the PSNI collaborated in a number of cross border operations in 2022 in respect of human trafficking, with searches under warrant conducted on both sides of the border.
