Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 298: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cautions, arrests, prosecutions and convictions of both male and females in relation to prostitution here annually for the past eight years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45334/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 299: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the perceived size of the sex industry here; the number of people, male and female, involved in the industry; the perceived value of this industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45335/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities that due to the secretive and undercover nature of the sex industry it is not possible to estimate, with any degree of accuracy, the size or numbers involved or its value to those involved.

I am further informed that this type of criminality is regularly targeted by An Garda Síochána. A number of joint and international initiatives have taken place, co-ordinated by members of the Organised Crime Unit attached to the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation in conjunction with members from the Garda National Immigration Bureau, the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Money Laundering Section of the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation.

When incidents relating to the sex industry in general are reported to or uncovered by the Garda authorities as part of investigations into other criminality, those suspected of being involved in the organisation of, or participation in, this type of criminal activity are the subjects of thorough investigation and, where sufficient evidence is adduced, investigation files are submitted to the Law Officers for directions.

The Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 is fully operational since 7 June, 2008. The Act creates offences of trafficking in children and adults for the purpose of sexual or labour exploitation or the removal of their organs. It also makes it an offence to sell or offer for sale or to purchase or offer to purchase any person for any purpose.

The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of my Department, in conjunction with the interdisciplinary National Referral Mechanism Working Group on Trafficking in Human Beings, is developing a data collection strategy which aims at collating data from a variety of organisations on trafficking in human beings. This information will be used to assess the true extent of the problem, direct policy and plan the allocation of resources. The extent of the problem of human trafficking should become more apparent as An Garda Síochána enforce the Act and as more people recognize the indicators of trafficking.