Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have just come from chairing an online event entitled, Countering Human Trafficking in Ireland, hosted by the all-party Oireachtas Life and Dignity Group. We heard from two experts, Ms Sunniva McDonagh, a member of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, IHREC, and Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab. Given Ireland's low, tier two or "watchlist" status in the Trafficking in Persons, TIP, report I am sure the House will agree that this is an issue that needs the attention of Oireachtas Members and the Government. The emerging picture is that while efforts are being made to combat human trafficking, we continue to be behind the curve and behind new and emerging events including, for example, the emerging reality of pregnant women being trafficked for the purpose of illegal adoption. One of the points made was that there is a need to put on a statutory footing measures to combat human trafficking that are only operating on an administrative basis currently. Reference was also made to the role of the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC. The people we encounter in nail salons, car washes and so on may have been trafficked. Is the WRC treating that as a labour issue? If a person is undocumented and is not being paid legal wages, is there a perverse incentive for employers to use undocumented people? Are sufficient inspections taking place? Is the WRC the body that ought to be responsible for dealing with the fundamental problem of illegal human trafficking and its impact on human dignity?

We have a long way to go. The presentations that were given online are available and can be emailed to colleagues. I encourage Senators to seek them out and I would be delighted to forward them. This issue is going to run and run and it will continue to need and deserve our attention.