Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I am informed by the Garda Síochána that in 2008, some 96 investigations were commenced where human trafficking was alleged or suspected. Of these, 60 investigations relate to suspected breaches of the provisions of the Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Act 2000, while 36 investigations relate to suspected breaches of the provisions of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008.

Provisional figures for 2009 indicate that, up to 9 November, some 57 incidents have been recorded by the Garda Síochána under the category of human trafficking offences. Of these, 37 relate to possible offences under the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008, some 18 relate to possible offences under the Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Act 2000 and the remaining two relate to possible offences under the Child Pornography Act 1998. In the cases in question, 31 of the persons involved have made a claim of asylum and as part of their claim have alleged they were the victims of human trafficking.

A number of files are with the Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision on whether to prosecute. One case is before the courts where a person is charged with a human trafficking offence under the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 in relation to the trafficking of a child for sexual exploitation. A total of 11 persons have been identified as suspected victims of human trafficking on the basis that there are reasonable grounds for believing that he or she was a victim of an offence under section 2 or 4 of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008.

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