Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I could give a longer answer, but the problem is that we are dealing with promised legislation, rather than with Leaders' Questions. I will give it. Although the offence of trafficking is not explicitly provided for in Irish law at present, a range of offences which can be prosecuted under current legislation are involved in any trafficking activity. Offences such as assault, sexual assault and false imprisonment, which were highlighted in last night's programme, can be dealt with under current legislation. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is preparing to create a specific offence of trafficking in human beings. Such an offence is not provided for in legislation at present. The preparation of the legislation, which will make the trafficking of people in or out of Ireland for the purposes of sexual and labour exploitation an offence, is at an advanced stage. The provisions needed to comply with two specific EU laws — the framework decisions on trafficking — are also at an advanced stage of preparation. They will take account of several other United Nations and Council of Europe measures. The enacting provisions in question are already in Council of Europe laws and EU laws. They are under preparation. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is also considering how forthcoming legislation on immigration and residence can assist in dealing with this issue. I am sorry for breaking the rules by making this statement, a Cheann Comhairle, but I wanted to give a full answer.

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