Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 297: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Ireland has ratified the protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons and ratified the optional protocol to the convention on the rights of the child, on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45333/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 brings Ireland into compliance with the criminal law / law enforcement elements of the second protocol to the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organised Crime — the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. It is expected that the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill, when enacted, and administrative measures currently being implemented by my Department, in conjunction with Governmental and non-Governmental organisations will allow for ratification of this Protocol. Ratification of the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organised Crime will be necessary before the second Protocol can be ratified. Many of the provisions of that Convention have already been given effect through legislation. Some additional legislation is required before ratification of the Convention can take place. Government approval to proceed with the drafting of the required legislation will be sought early in 2009.

The Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 criminalised the sale of persons, including children, for any purpose. I am now preparing a Bill which will offer further protection to children against sexual abuse and exploitation and when that Bill is enacted, our laws in that respect, will fully comply with the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.