Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 286: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has investigated the alleged use of ports here for the trafficking or people; if so, the measures being taken to combat this criminal activity in these ports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21646/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda Síochána that all members of the force are tasked with enforcing the criminal law, with any breaches detected being the subject of investigation and the preparation of an investigation file for the direction of the Law Officers.

I have also been informed by the Garda Síochána that information/intelligence regarding immigration-related criminality is collated, analysed and disseminated by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). This includes such information and intelligence received, on a regular basis, through the Europol and Interpol National Units, based in Garda Headquarters. In particular, personnel from the GNIB assist in investigations relating to the suspected trafficking and smuggling of persons, initiated in other jurisdictions, where it is suspected either the suspect(s) or victim(s) have entered this State.

To this end a substantial programme of training related to human trafficking has been underway.