Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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152. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of referrals added to the national referral mechanism in this jurisdiction in the context of human trafficking in the years 2019 to 2022, and to date in 2023. [3726/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Human trafficking is an exploitive crime that preys on the vulnerable. I have been clear that there is no place for it in our society.

We know vulnerable people are trafficked into Ireland for exploitation reasons, including sexual exploitation, forced labour and forced criminality.

The Government is fully committed to identifying and supporting victims of this terrible crime.

The General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2022, published last July, will put a revised National Referral Mechanism (NRM) on a statutory footing, making it easier for victims of trafficking to come forward, be identified, and access support.

In addition to An Garda Síochána, it is proposed that a number of agencies will become competent authorities for the identification of victims of human trafficking. These include the Workplace Relations Commission, the Department of Social Protection, the Immigration Service of the Department of Justice, the HSE, Tusla and International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS). Some NGOs will also be designated as ‘trusted partners’ and will be able to make referrals to the competent authorities. This will provide an alternative and trusted pathway to recognition by a competent authority.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the number of referrals included in the National Referral Mechanism in this jurisdiction in relation to human trafficking investigations for 2019-2022 is as follows:

- 2019 - 42

- 2020 - 34

- 2021 - 44

- 2022 - 42

I am informed by An Garda Síochána that the 2023 figures cannot be included at this point as the initial 60 day recovery and rest period has not yet expired.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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153. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress he, his officials and An Garda Síochána have made with their equivalents in Northern Ireland in respect of developing an all-Ireland database to record cases of human trafficking on the island of Ireland. [3727/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Working with our Northern Ireland counterparts on Criminal Justice issues has always been a priority and this is showcased in a number of ongoing initiatives such as the Shared Island events, including the recent event in Kells that was focused on tackling gender-based violence and abuse. The Deputy may also be aware that human trafficking has been on the agenda for the North South Project Advisory Group (PAG) on victims.

I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department and in An Garda Síochána are committed to continuing to work with their counterparts in Northern Ireland and to maintaining close relationships, and this applies also in the area of combatting human trafficking.

The forthcoming National Action Plan on trafficking will further reflect our commitment to maintain a close working relationship with our colleagues in Northern Ireland, including the development of joint projects where relevant. One of the draft actions of the National Action Plan is to explore how we can further work together to identify key learning points and common themes from victim referrals.

I have requested information relevant to the question posed from the Garda authorities and I will contact the Deputy directly once that information is received.