Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 620: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to ratify the UN protocol to prevent human trafficking; if there is a need to update Irish law in this respect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30708/09]

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.

The enactment of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 which came into effect on 7 June 2008 brought Ireland into compliance with the criminal law/law enforcement elements of the Protocol. Other aspects of the Protocol are being implemented administratively in the context of the National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Trafficking of Human Beings in Ireland - which was published on 10 June this year - and through engagement with the Governmental and non-governmental organisations in this area.

However, it will be necessary to ratify the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime prior to ratification of the Protocol. The necessary legislation is contained in the Criminal Justice Act 2006 as recently amended by the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009. However one further aspect of the Convention requires legislation i.e. establishing jurisdiction over money laundering offences. The necessary provision is included in the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering) Bill which was published on 28 July 2009.