Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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29. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the figures for potential and suspected cases of human trafficking in 2012, and to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20827/13]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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38. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the figures for potential and suspected cases of human trafficking for sexual exploitation during 2012 and to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20829/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 38 together.

I can inform the Deputy that during 2012, a total of thirty-seven investigations were initiated by An Garda Síochána into allegations of human trafficking; of these, thirty-one investigations were into allegations of human trafficking for sexual exploitation. To date in 2013, (29 April 2013), a total of fourteen investigations into allegations of human trafficking have been initiated by An Garda Síochána; of these, a total of six investigations related to allegations of human trafficking for sexual exploitation. In An Garda Síochána Policing Plan for 2013, one of the stated priorities is to prevent and detect Human Trafficking. The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of my Department and An Garda Síochána are continually vigilant for any emerging trends relating to human trafficking and maintain a dialogue on this matter with the relevant State agencies and non-governmental organisations working in this area.