Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

These are cases involving organised criminal gangs that are operating internationally. It is an area the Garda investigates. The evidence in seeking a prosecution is difficult to produce, but using the Criminal Assets Bureau is an approach that can be taken in gathering evidence. I agree with the Deputy that we need to target those who organise and are behind either prostitution or trafficking. We have strong legislation to deal with it. I met the Council of Europe yesterday on the issue of trafficking in Ireland, our approach to which it is examining. I intend to make the penalties stronger in so far as I can without specifying a particular sum, in the way Deputy Ruth Coppinger has. I take the points being made and will examine the matter to determine what are the strongest provisions we can include in the legislation to have the sanctions about which Deputy Ruth Coppinger is talking targeted at the appropriate people. I agree with the points made.