Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 515: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ratify the UN convention for the suppression of the traffic in persons and of the exploitation of the prostitution of others. [19344/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy's question is understood to refer to the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime. Many of the provisions of the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organised Crime have already been given effect through legislation. Some additional legislation and administrative procedures will be required before ratification of the Convention can take place. This work is in train.

The enactment of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 which comes into effect on 7 June 2008 will bring Ireland into compliance with the criminal law/law enforcement elements of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Other aspects of the Protocol are being dealt with administratively in the context of preparation of a National Action Plan and through engagement with the Governmental and non-governmental organisations in this area. It is expected that the Protocol will be ratified next year.