Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their supportive comments. This is a small but very important change in our law. It is about the protection of children. I agree with all Senators that we must address the issue of trafficking as effectively as we can. It is not an issue that can be addressed by any State on its own. It is important to have the maximum amount of co-operation at European level and the issue of trafficking is one of the subjects on the agenda during the course of the Irish Presidency of the European Union. We will continue to engage with other countries on this.

It is also important there is maximum co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI. Human trafficking has been the subject matter of ministerial meetings between myself and David Ford, the Minister of Justice in Northern Ireland. It is very important we acknowledge the major contribution made by cross-Border co-operation between both police forces. It is important that nothing be done to impede or prevent co-operation or to dilute the focus on targeting individuals engaged in trafficking. What is particularly important is that we provide protection for individuals who have been trafficked and that we encourage and work with them to provide necessary information and evidence, North and South, to facilitate appropriate prosecutions while ensuring that those who are the victims of human trafficking do not feel intimidated in any way should they need to give evidence in our courts. I thank Senators for their co-operation and I am pleased this will complete the legislative process on this Bill. When it is enacted and signed by the President, we will have important additional protections in place.