Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like my colleague, Senator Seery Kearney, and others, I welcome this important legislation. I welcome the Minister of State to the House and commend him on the work he has done.

In Ireland today, you could encounter anybody and not know he or she has been trafficked. One of the most important parts of the Bill is the amnesty for those who are undocumented. People who are undocumented may not realise the amnesty is available. I echo the suggestion of having a campaign to make people aware of it, although any such campaign for the people in question would be tricky. It would not be easy and would have to be done in a sensitive and different way.

The organisations working in this area must be commended because they ensure that the issue of smuggling and trafficking is always on the political agenda and in the media and general discourse. People have to wake up to the fact that, sadly, thousands of people in this country have been trafficked. It is appalling. As Senator Seery Kearney said, people could have someone out to their house to help out for an hour or two without knowing that person's background or circumstances. It is absolutely heartbreaking to see this.

I also welcome the decision in Mullingar court yesterday. It is a first and a start. We have a long way to go but this legislation is an important incremental step in the right direction. I assure the Minister of State that this House will never be found wanting when the law needs to be strengthened to deal with what I consider to be the most appalling of crimes. Whatever needs to be done and whatever amendments to legislation need to be made to help prevent and eradicate this crime from our shores, we will play our part.In terms of the supports and the services of the State to support people who are in this situation, and particularly with the amnesty available at present, if people declare and come forward, the supports of the State and of our social services, of Tusla, need to be readily available. There should be no difficulties for and road blocks to people getting the full suite of supports they need to deal with the trauma they have been through. I welcome the legislation, which is important and a step in the right direction, one step of many that need to be taken.