Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I express my support of and co-operation with any efforts to alleviate suffering or combat wrong-doing in what might have started as a tragic case arising from the greed of criminals involved with human trafficking. Vietnamese families are currently trying to make a provision in order to bring their loved ones home. I express my deep shock and offer our condolences, as the Minister has done.

We must reassess our response to this issue and six points should be immediately implemented. These include a review of the criminal justice response, a national referral mechanism where victim care would be distinct from direct provision and a new strategy for human trafficking incorporating European Union and Council of Europe requirements to be annually presented to these Houses and reported on. Government and business transparency in supply chains legislation must be considered, with a wider consideration of tainted money. Ireland's UN Security Council nomination process should address human trafficking and a rapporteur should be appointed for Ireland to work across government, criminal justice, civil society and the private sector in order to assist the development and delivery of a strategy. We must be a driving force.

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