Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

The tabling of this Private Members' motion has given us the opportunity not just to debate the issue but also examine the various initiatives taken to combat human trafficking. As the Minister said, human trafficking is an offence relatively new to our shores. As a result, we are tackling it with firsthand experience while examining best practice in other jurisdictions.

Some Members may recall the book Roots and its subsequent TV series which dealt with the slave trade from Africa to America in the 19th century. The central character, Kunta Kinte, was taken from the east coast of Africa as a slave to the United States and the book detailed his life and that of his progeny down to the author who was a direct descendant. Many of us, when we saw the series, were appalled such an uncivilised activity as slave trading occurred in the not-so-distant past.

A similar activity is now taking place in various parts of the world. Young women are being kidnapped or, under false pretences, being lured into various countries in western Europe for prostitution. Stories of the experiences of such girls have been reported in newspapers. The revulsion people feel towards this activity is reflected in the strong investigative and follow-on support arrangements that have been put in place. I am impressed by some of the initiatives taken by the Minister and his Department and their commitment in combating this problem. It is imperative we ensure these arrangements are under active and constant review so other measures can be identified and put in place when required.

I welcome the publication today of the national action plan to combat trafficking in human beings, which is an important step in the right direction. I also welcome and am sure the House will approve of the establishment by the Garda Síochána of a human trafficking investigation and co-ordination unit within the Garda National Immigration Bureau, GNIB. I acknowledge that Senator Mullen has some reservations with regard to the unit being under the aegis of the GNIB. However, given that most of the young girls who are involved in trafficking are from abroad, there probably are significant benefits to and merit in its attachment to that unit.

The entire issue of child trafficking is a matter of concern to all Members and recent reports have demonstrated the protection of children must be kept at the top of their agenda. In this regard, Operation Snow, which is designed to prevent the trafficking of minors into, within and from the State and to ensure the welfare of such victims, is absolutely essential. One example of the success of that operation occurred within the last two years when a person who was suspected of involvement in the trafficking of children within a number of EU member states, and in the Netherlands in particular, was detected and has been removed to the Netherlands on foot of a European arrest warrant. I understand this person now awaits trial and this is the kind of important result that Members welcome. I will refer to another case that did not involve trafficking into the sex industry. Incidentally, like other Members, I dislike that phrase as it is a misnomer to refer to it as an industry. It is an area of criminal activity and should be regarded as such. However, a joint police trafficking investigation took place involving the Garda and police in Romania regarding trafficking for labour exploitation purposes and people were prosecuted in Romania as a consequence.

Action is taking place within this field and it is imperative to ensure that our legislative framework is designed and able to deal effectively with it. The Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 was extremely helpful in that regard by creating the offence of criminal trafficking for sexual or labour exploitation or for the removal of organs. Although the latter offence is something of which Ireland may not have experience, it is a highly unfortunate criminal activity within other jurisdictions. The penalty that can apply to anyone who is found guilty of committing such offences is up to life imprisonment. While ensuring one is not complacent in this regard, one should not dismiss the initiatives and legislative improvements that have been made. However, one must be constantly vigilant and I commend the Senators on tabling this motion, which highlights and creates the awareness to ensure we meet this ongoing challenge in an effective manner.