Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2023
341. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Justice when the national action plan for human trafficking will be published; to what extent it considers the issue of the sexual exploitation of children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31789/23]
View answerWork to develop a new National Action Plan on human trafficking is very well advanced.
This whole of Government plan will set out how the multi-agency work to combat this criminal activity, and to support victims, will be taken forward.
It is expected the new Action Plan will be finalised and submitted to Government in the coming weeks for approval to publish.
The identification and protection of child trafficking victims in Ireland is a key priority of our anti-trafficking efforts and this will be reflected in the new Action Plan. While the majority of actions in the plan will relate to both adult and child victims, there will also be child specific measures included.
Ensuring that all professionals who come into contact with children, or otherwise working on child-related matters, are aware of the indicators of human trafficking is paramount as a first step to identifying child victims of trafficking.
Actions to combat all forms of trafficking will be included in the Action Plan.
