When is it proposed to take the next Stage?
Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023: Report and Final Stages
Bill received for final consideration.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."
I thank Senators for devoting time to their consideration of this important Bill through its various Stages. The Bill sets out a package of measures that will introduce important reforms in a number of areas. The common ground underpinning all these measures is our commitment to strengthening protections for vulnerable victims.
A number of recommendations in the O'Malley review of the protections for vulnerable witnesses in the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences have already been implemented. They include the introduction of preliminary trial hearings, which has helped to improve efficiency in how trials are run. Potential issues can be identified and solved in advance, allowing those trials to proceed on their scheduled dates.
This reduces delays and eases what can be a traumatic process for victims. This Bill implements further recommendations of the O'Malley review, specifically designed to improve the treatment of vulnerable victims of sexual offences. They aim to reduce the stress and anxiety which may be experienced during the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences. Above all, these measures aim to protect victims from re-traumatisation and re-victimisation during this process. Similarly, by requiring that a character reference be provided on behalf of a convicted sex offender be sworn, either on oath or affidavit, we will protect victims of sexual crimes from further traumatisation during the sentencing hearing.
We take steps in this Bill to put a new referral mechanism for victims of human trafficking on a statutory footing. The new national referral mechanism will provide a mechanism for all agencies, both state and civil society, to co-operate and share information. This new approach will make it easier for victims of trafficking to come forward, to be identified and to access advice, accommodation and support. Human trafficking is an exploitative and particularly heinous crime, which preys on some of the most vulnerable. Victims of trafficking can be found anywhere and are sometimes hidden in plain sight. Their vulnerability can often make them particularly hard to reach, but a new national referral mechanism on a statutory footing is a clear demonstration of our commitment to identify and support victims. It is a key element in the new national action plan, which sets out a suite of measures to combat trafficking, create a more victim-centred approach to identify and support victims, raise awareness and provide training for those who need it. It will also strengthen Ireland's international reputation in this area.
The Bill also contains important and necessary amendments to the Defence Act regarding sexual offences. These amendments mean that women and men in the Defence Forces will be able to turn to the civilian system in the investigation and prosecution of such offences. Last but not least, the Bill provides for the legislative amendments required for Ireland to ratify the second optional protocol of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. This is an important international instrument on the protection of children from exploitation. I welcome the support this Bill has received in the House and thank the Senators for their constructive engagement.
I thank the Minister of State. Before I bring in anyone else, I welcome Marguerite O'Loughlin and her colleagues to the Public Gallery. They are very welcome to Leinster House and I hope they enjoy their day here. While we have finished the item, I will allow brief comments.
Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach. Tá a fhios agam nach ligfeadh sé don Aire Stáit teacht chuig an Teach gan deis cainte a thabhairt dom. Cuirim fáilte roimh an mBille ar son Fhine Gael. Aontaím leis an Aire Stáit faoin tábhacht a bhaineann leis. Léiríonn an t-easpa leasuithe ag an gCéim seo an méad comhaontaithe atá ann ar an ábhar agus ar an Bille seo, rud atá tábhachtach freisin.
I congratulate the Minister of State. It is important legislation, but I believe there are things that are not technically part of it in the context of human trafficking that were discussed in the course of the debate, particularly on Second Stage. One of the things I raised, and I also raised it in this Chamber separately, was the need for a campaign to have people understand how to identify the symptoms of human trafficking in order for them to report it. The Bill does put mechanisms in place that allow them to report it and take action, when they know, but many people do not know what to look for. If we are to truly address this problem, we should not shy away from a public information campaign to equip people with the skills they need to identify that because, at the end of the day, this is a problem that is pervasive in Ireland, whether we know it or not. Most of us have come into contact, unknowingly, with somebody who is the subject of human trafficking. We need to stamp it out and re-establish that it cannot be allowed to happen in this country.
Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach agus an Aire Stáit. Tá cúpla focal le rá agam faoin uair thábhachtach seo fosta. I compliment the Minister of State and his staff on their great work in bringing this legislation forward. From a Fianna Fáil perspective, we are delighted to support it. We all know the horror that is human trafficking and unfortunately I had the experience of dealing with victims of that in my own time. It is really heartbreaking. These people are very vulnerable and it happened behind closed doors. There is an onus on us all to keep our eyes and ears open to this horrible crime. This is a very welcome and positive step. From a Fianna Fáil perspective, we are delighted to see this legislation progress.
I thank Senator Gallagher. Indeed, were I not in the Chair, I would say all of those things myself. However, when a Senator is in the Chair, he or she has to be neutral about all these things. I cannot heap praise on the Minister of State, but if I could, I would. I ask Acting Leader, Senator Gallagher to propose a suspension until 6.45 p.m.
I propose a suspension until 6.45 p.m.
Is that agreed? Agreed.
Cuireadh an Seanad ar fionraí ar 6.24 p.m. agus cuireadh tús leis arís ar 6.48 p.m.
Sitting suspended at 6.24 p.m. and resumed at 6.48 p.m.