James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Senators have introduced several amendments that would require the Minister to prepare reports on several issues. The issues arising are similar in each case. While all the relevant amendments are not grouped, I will speak to the one in question and perhaps refer to others, where possible.

As noted on Second Stage, it is correct to say this Bill is relatively narrow. It focuses on the criminal offences in regard to people smuggling. It is primarily addressed at organised for-profit smuggling. It is not addressed at the State's response to human trafficking broadly. It is not correct to say the broader issues are not receiving attention. As Members of the House will be acutely aware, legislation is rarely a timely or effective way of implementing operational changes.

The Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, recently made a statement on the work on human trafficking. I referred to aspects of this work in my Second Stage speech. It has included: the recent Government decision on improving the national referral mechanism for human trafficking; the designation of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission as the national rapporteur; and the development of a new action plan on trafficking, with legislation to go alongside that. There has also been work on the following: development of training through NGOs; targeting front-line staff in industries, such as the hospitality, airline and shipping industries, who may have come into contact with trafficked persons; and providing dedicated accommodation for female victims of sexual exploitation.There are also improvements being made to the criminal justice system to support victims through the following: the implementation of Supporting a Victim's Journey; the running of a new awareness raising campaign in partnership with the International Organization for Migration to build on the success of previous campaigns; and an increase in funding for supporting victims of crime generally and increased funding dedicated specifically to supporting victims of trafficking.

I suggest that the issues that have been raised are more appropriately dealt with in the context of those human trafficking discussions and, in the circumstances, I cannot accept this amendment.

In respect of the specific statistics regarding the outcomes of smuggled persons, I will consider this further but I note that the Department of Justice does publish detailed statistics on the international protection process. This may be better addressed through that and through the post-enactment report required under Standing Orders.