Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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633. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of identified victims of human trafficking in the State in 2021; the purpose of their trafficking, that is, for labour exploitation and sex work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9139/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Human trafficking is a heinous crime based on deception and exploitation of vulnerable people. Combatting it is, and will continue to be, a priority for this Government.

An Garda Síochána has committed significant resources to the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking in Ireland. A specialised Garda Unit, the Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit (HTICU), has been in place since 2009 to conduct investigations into human trafficking. It also provides advice, support and where necessary, operational assistance to investigations at district level. An Garda Síochána is also active in relation to trafficking gangs through work targeting organised crime - targeting their finances, their use of the internet and by working closely with other jurisdictions.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table shows the number of identified victims of human trafficking in the State in 2021 and the reason for their trafficking.

I can assure the Deputy that this Government is serious about preventing and prosecuting for human trafficking, and committed to supporting those that are victims of it. We are confident that the victim-centred policy approach we are taking will encourage more victims to come forward and access supports and that this will, in turn, strengthen prosecutions and convictions.

Last year Government approved proposals to revise the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to make it easier for victims of trafficking to come forward, be identified and access advice, accommodation and support.

The revised NRM will provide for all agencies, both State and civil society, to co-operate, share information about potential victims, identify those victims and facilitate their access to advice, accommodation and support.

The new approach acknowledges various state bodies and NGOs have a role in identifying victims of human trafficking and referring them to the NRM.

We want to be sure that every victim of trafficking is identified and helped so we can support them. Doing this will also help us gather more information and evidence in order to bring to justice the traffickers who prey on vulnerable people with no regard for the lives and safety of their victims.

In addition, the development of a new National Action Plan on human trafficking is taking place. A consultant has produced a short and focussed analysis of the current position in relation to human trafficking in Ireland. The analysis includes a research review, a synopsis of the extent of trafficking in Ireland and a summary of issues to address.

The Department of Justice is now engaged with a working group to draft the new National Action Plan high-level goals and outcomes.