Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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1234. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when in quarter 1 the national referral mechanism framework will have the interdepartmental sub-group in place; and when the general scheme will be published in line with the commitments made in the Justice Plan 2022. [19254/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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.

Officials within my Department are currently drafting the heads of a Bill to put the framework on a legislative footing. It is my intention to seek approval to publish the General Scheme before the summer.

In addition, an interdepartmental group has been established to work on the operational protocols which will support the framework and outline how the various agencies will interact within the new Framework.

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

It may also interest the Deputy to note that work to draft the new National Action Plan on human trafficking is advancing. 

A consultant has produced a short and focused 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.

My Department is now engaged with a working group to draft the new National Action Plan high-level goals and outcomes. Work is progressing with the aim to have a plan approved by Government by the end of May.