James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for putting down this amendment.

This section of the legislation provides that a person may apply to be recognised as a victim of human trafficking by making an application under the national referral mechanism.

I assure Senator Keogan that this Bill and the existing human trafficking legislation are in line with the EU directive on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings. Indeed, the existing EU directive is currently being updated and a key component of this revised directive is the establishment of a national referral mechanism for victims of human trafficking.

As Senators will be aware, this Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023 will put a newly revised national referral mechanism on a statutory footing and this will make it easier for victims of trafficking to come forward, be identified and access support. The national referral mechanism provides a way for all agencies, both State and civil society, to co-operate, share information about potential victims, and identify those victims and facilitate access to advice, accommodation and support. Once victims are more familiar with the supports offered and gain greater trust in public authorities, this should also help the relevant State bodies gather more information and evidence on the traffickers who prey on vulnerable people with no regard for their lives and safety.

We are determined to bring the perpetrators and facilitators of this crime to justice and a specialist unit within An Garda Síochána conducts investigations into human trafficking. The unit engages with a number of agencies and also provides advice, support and operational assistance to investigations undertaken at the local level. Last year, 53 persons were identified by An Garda Síochána as victims of human trafficking which marked a 26% increase in the number of victims identified compared to the previous year.

As reported in the media this week, An Garda Síochána has been carrying out days of action in collaboration with other State agencies aimed at identifying foreign nationals trafficked into Ireland for the purpose of labour exploitation. The Garda National Protective Services Bureau is collaborating under Europol and with law enforcement agencies in other countries to combat organised crime gangs engaged in trafficking, to investigate cases and to share relevant information.

Combating and preventing trafficking in human beings is a priority for my Department and for this Government as evident in the actions set out in the third national action plan to combat human trafficking 2023-2027, which was published at the end of last year. Under this and previous action plans, there has been significant progress and measures to combat trafficking in human beings, to create a more victim-centred approach to identifying and supporting victims, and to raise awareness and to provide training. There has been a strong emphasis on training of border management and airport personnel, healthcare professionals and social workers coming into contact with potential victims of trafficking which facilitates increased reporting and investigation by law enforcement.

These ongoing efforts reflect the State's commitment to supporting victims of human trafficking and investing cases where they occur in line with our international and, indeed, EU obligations. Therefore, I do not agree with the amendment as proposed.