Alan Farrell
Ceist:345. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice the status of her Department’s efforts to tackle sex trafficking in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15589/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 24 March 2022
Ceisteanna (345)
Freagraí scríofa
Human trafficking is a heinous crime based on deception and exploitation of vulnerable people. Combatting it is, and will continue to be, a priority for me and 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 – this includes targeting their finances and their use of the internet and by Gardaí working closely with other jurisdictions.
I can assure the Deputy that this Government is serious about preventing and prosecuting for human trafficking, and committed to supporting those that are victims of it. We are confident that the victim-centred policy approach we are taking will encourage more victims to come forward and access supports and that this will, in turn, strengthen prosecutions and convictions.
Last year Government approved proposals to revise the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to make it easier for victims of trafficking to come forward, be identified and access advice, accommodation and support.
The revised NRM will provide for all agencies, both State and civil society, to co-operate, share information about potential victims, identify those victims and facilitate their access to advice, accommodation and support.
The new approach acknowledges various state bodies and NGOs have a role in identifying victims of human trafficking and referring them to the NRM.
We want to be sure that every victim of trafficking is identified and helped so we can support them. Doing this will also help us gather more information and evidence in order to bring to justice the traffickers who prey on vulnerable people with no regard for the lives and safety of their victims.
In addition, the development of a new National Action Plan on human trafficking is also taking place. A consultant has produced a short and focused analysis of the current position in relation to human trafficking in Ireland. The analysis includes a research review, a synopsis of the extent of trafficking in Ireland and a summary of issues to address.
Following that analysis, the Department of Justice is now engaged with a working group to draft a new National Action Plan. Officials will be engaging with Civil Society representatives in the coming weeks with a view to finalising the plan to submit to Government after the Easter recess.