Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

I would like to share time with Deputies Ulick Burke and Denis Naughten, with the permission of the House.

I join with my colleagues in commending Deputy Naughten on his persistent and tireless pursuit of the issues associated with the protection of children, in particular, and the dignity and human rights which are very much deserved and should be to the fore in terms of Government policy as regards immigrants, particularly vulnerable young women who are being trafficked illegally into this country.

It is quite clear there is minimal protection for the victims of human trafficking, notwithstanding the legislation introduced in 2008. A significant number of cases of trafficking have been identified this year, 46 so far, I believe, yet only ten such victims were granted the rest and reflection period guaranteed by the Government in accordance with European guidelines. This is very important. I spoke on that Bill when it came before the House in late 2007 and this is one of the key issues identified by the Opposition, including the Fine Gael spokesman and the many speakers on Second Stage of the Bill. It is also worth highlighting that there have been no prosecutions on the trafficking of young girls, in particular, in that interval. Once again, this points to the fact that we can write all the legislation we like and put it on the Statute Book, but without implementation and adequate resources to ensure prosecutions are secured and that people responsible for this type of criminal activity are put behind bars, we really are at nothing, and the entire fanfare with which the Government brought forward the legislation is worthless. If the legislation is not implemented and people are not being held to account, there is no point in having it in the first place.

I have made the point in this House in the past that we need to remember victims of trafficking are just that. They are not simply illegal immigrants or people who are evading or defrauding the system. They are vulnerable and unable to protect themselves from the type of criminals into whose hands they fall. It is particularly noteworthy that Ireland is more susceptible to the type of human trafficking we now see in this country than other jurisdictions because we have open borders and this is an island. There is a very grave risk that Ireland will become a hotspot for trafficking and we know what that will lead to.

A significant challenge exists, to acknowledge the fact these people are genuinely victims of an illegal activity, and as such, require the protection of the State. Deputy Naughten has pointed on countless occasions to the reality of young people going missing from State care, which is a major concern I share. The figures have already been referred to in this debate and are quite startling. More than 500 vulnerable children in the care of the State have gone missing since 2000 and the majority, it would appear, have still to be accounted for.

I accept the Minister of State is trying to put the debate into context but to suggest this is largely due to family reunification is to give the wrong impression and I do not know whether it is helpful to this debate. It is quite clear from the 2009 report on trafficking in persons that a significant number have been found engaged in prostitution, in brothels and the type of activities one does not wish to see. If the attitude of the Government is to skirt over this fundamental fact, then we have a problem.

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