Written answers

Tuesday, 10 May 2011

Department of Justice, Equality and Defence

Human Trafficking

9:00 pm

Photo of Ann PhelanAnn Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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Question 299: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the report Globalisation, Sex Trafficking and Prostitution: The Experience of Migrant Women in Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10734/11]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy's question confuses two reports. The report "Globalisation, Sex Trafficking and Prostitution - The Experiences of Migrant Women in Ireland" commissioned by the Immigrant Council of Ireland is separate from the report referred to by the Deputy as having been produced by the voluntary and NGO Group 'Turn off the Red Light' lodged with the Attorney General's Office.

The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in my Department were asked by the previous Minister to examine the report "Globalisation, Sex Trafficking and Prostitution - The Experiences of Migrant Women in Ireland". The Report is wide ranging and its recommendations required extensive consultation. The examination which was conducted in conjunction with a number of other Government Departments and Agencies is at an advanced stage. Many of the Report's recommendations insofar as they relate to the trafficking of human beings for sexual exploitation have been addressed in the National Action Plan To Prevent and Combat Trafficking of Human Beings in Ireland 2009 - 2012 published in June 2009 and through the consultative structures such as the Round-table Forum and five interdisciplinary Working Groups described in the National Action Plan. I expect to receive a report in the coming months and I will consider what further actions, if any, are necessary.

The report lodged with the Attorney General's Office was a report prepared by officials of my Department following a visit to Sweden in September 2010 by them and members of the Dignity Project to examine Swedish legislative provisions in relation to prostitution, the so-called 'Swedish model'. The Dignity Project was a two year, EU funded, research project into international best practice for services to victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking which concluded on 7 February 2011. In relation to this other report, I would refer the Deputy to my comprehensive reply of today to questions Nos. 279, 289, 290, 291, and 293.

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