James Lawless
Ceist:800. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice to clarify a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35775/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 25 July 2023
Ceisteanna (800)
Freagraí scríofa
The Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit (HTICU) within An Garda Síochána operates to combat human trafficking.
The unit engages in wide consultation with a number of bodies and agencies including Customs, the Health Service Executive (HSE), the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), International Protection Office and International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) and with NGOs such as Ruhama, the Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland (MRCI), the Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI), the International Organisation of Migration (IOM), the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social Welfare amongst others. The unit also works closely with other relevant units in An Garda Síochána including with the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit (OPIU) and with the Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) within GNIB.
The HTICU's work includes -
- Investigating human trafficking cases: The primary role of the unit is to investigate cases of human trafficking, including both sex trafficking and labor trafficking. This involves gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and working to dismantle trafficking networks
- Coordination with other agencies: Human trafficking often involves complex criminal networks that operate across borders and jurisdictions. The unit collaborates with other law enforcement agencies, both nationally and internationally, to share intelligence and resources
- Surveillance and undercover operations: Human trafficking investigations may require surveillance and undercover operations to gather evidence and build strong cases against traffickers
- Training for law enforcement: Providing organisational training to members of AGS,
- Collecting and analysing data: The unit collects and analyzes data related to human trafficking trends, helping to identify patterns and hotspots for trafficking activities
- Working with NGOs and Victim Support Services: Collaborating with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and victim support services to ensure that victims receive the necessary support and assistance
- Prosecution and legal support: The unit works closely with the DPP to build strong cases against traffickers and provide legal support throughout the prosecution process
- International cooperation: Human trafficking is often a transnational crime, and the unit may work with international partners and organisations to address cross-border trafficking issues
The role of the HTICU unit also includes -
- National responsibility for policy development, the co-ordination and implementation of policing methods and the management and co-ordination of investigations within the unit and with divisions throughout the country
- Joint Investigation Team (JIT)
- Joint Agency Task Force (JATF)
- Joint PSNI Operations
- Days of Action Related to the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT)
- Providing advice, support and, where necessary, operational assistance to investigations undertaken at District level
- Working in partnership with the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit (OPIU) in the investigation of trafficking in human beings for the purposes of sexual exploitation
- Delivery of training and awareness to An Garda Síochána on all aspects of trafficking in human beings.
The unit strength of HTICU is;
1 Detective Superintendent,
2 Detective Sergeant,
11 Detective Gardaí,
1 Executive Officer,
2 Clerical Officers.
The Deputy may also be interested to know that the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit (OPIU) has a national remit in respect of Organised Prostitution and similarity engages in wide consultation with a number of agencies, bodies and NGOs and has a specific focus on sexual exploitation with regards to Human Trafficking.
The unit strength of OPIU is:
1 Detective Sergeant,
4 Detective Gardaí.