Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that adequate resources are being directed towards tackling prostitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19433/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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An Garda Síochána have conducted a number of operations to combat brothel keeping, prostitution and human trafficking and will continue to do so in line with the intelligence available. One example of such operations is the investigation by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, in conjunction with a number of other police forces, which resulted in the apprehension, in another jurisdiction, of individuals for brothel keeping in this country. The operation led to the seizure of a substantial volume of evidence. In addition, cash and other property discovered during such operations may be the subject of a proceeds of crime application to the courts. Operations of this nature are being, and will continue to be, carried out.

The criminal law in relation to brothel keeping is strong. I am, of course, aware of concerns that persons are trafficked for the purposes of prostitution. The Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 has greatly strengthened the law in this area. A dedicated Anti-Human Trafficking Unit was established in my Department in February 2008 with the purpose of ensuring that the State's response to human trafficking is coordinated and comprehensive. In addition, An Garda Síochána has established a Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit.

The Garda National Immigration Bureau maintains border controls and liaison with organisations which represent exploited foreign nationals. Liaison at an international level between An Garda Síochána and international law enforcement agencies and international organisations also forms part of the approach taken by An Garda Síochána to human trafficking.