Seán Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 429: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the improvements in the training of Gardaí in human trafficking which are being considered and being implemented, following a recent programme (details supplied) on the subject. [18270/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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A training programme has been prepared for delivery to key Garda personnel throughout the State. This training programme has been designed specifically to enable members of An Garda Síochána identify victims of trafficking whom they may encounter in the course of their duties, ensure that members fully understand the complexity of this phenomenon and ensure that victims receive appropriate assistance from all the relevant agencies.

Members of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) also regularly attend meetings, seminars and conferences aimed at sharing information and intelligence and devising strategies to combat immigration offences, including trafficking and smuggling of human beings. These facilitate training and keep An Garda Síochána up to date concerning international trends. For example, GNIB personnel have participated in a series of EU training seminars in a number of EU Member States entitled "training of border guards, border police and customs officials in identifying of and providing assistance to the victims of trafficking". The training is provided by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and is funded under the EU AGIS programme. In September 2005, Dublin was the venue for one of these seminars. It brought together representatives of border guards, customs services and immigration liaison officers from thirteen European countries, including Ireland. The Irish delegation also included personnel from the Garda College in Templemore.

The Gardaí also participate in the Interpol Working Group on Trafficking in Women and Children. This group has developed a best practice manual which provides practical guidelines for investigators. The manual is laid out in a structured way to assist the investigator identify and locate advice on specific issues. Meetings of the working group are attended by members from Garda specialist units.