James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their contributions. I thank the House for facilitating this motion today. Over the years Ireland has implemented strong measures to ensure we can fight this complex crime. More must be done if we are to reduce the demand that fosters trafficking; to create a criminal model to halt victims' exploitation; to protect, support and empower the victims, especially women and children; and to address the international dimension of this complex crime.

As outlined earlier, this proposal will enhance Ireland's ability to work more effectively where human trafficking is concerned. Ireland recognises the importance of international co-operation with our European partners, particularly in the context of combating human trafficking. The modernisation of the anti-trafficking directive includes targeted amendments, which in practical terms will enhance the capability of member states to work together to target this damaging crime. Despite significant efforts at a global level to counter this crime, the demand that fosters human trafficking has not decreased. This proposal provides a robust policy response to combat trafficking in human beings, from prevention through protection of its victims, to prosecution and conviction of traffickers. As a country, we are committed to tackling serious organised cross-border and transnational crime, and our continued engagement and commitment to counter human trafficking is central to that.

This proposal addresses the developments that have occurred since 2011 and the newest trends observed in combating trafficking in human beings. It provides a framework that will allow the national legal systems of member states to be up to date and better equipped to respond to and face the significant challenges in this area. The Government has no hesitation in commending the motion to the House that we opt into this proposal.

The national referral mechanism will be put on a statutory basis through the criminal justice (sexual offences and human trafficking) Bill, which is at an advanced stage of drafting. We expect to publish the general scheme this summer.

The planned new national referral mechanism will significantly enhance Ireland's ability to identify, support and protect the victims of human trafficking across a range of Departments and agencies. The new referral mechanism will allow victims across through a number of routes, including certain NGOs, in order to be referred. Currently a referral can only be made through An Garda Síochána, but this will be significantly expanded.

An opt-in to this proposal under Article 3 will mean that Ireland can be fully involved in the detailed discussions on the negotiations for this important directive. Furthermore, it will demonstrate our continuing commitment to the European Union and ensure Ireland can meet its responsibilities to the EU, and globally, where combating human trafficking is concerned. I commend the motion to the House.

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