Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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464. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will, within the international protection system, distinguish victims of trafficking in accommodation in order that they can take trips home to see family, as part of their recovery and integration process. [10092/23]

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.

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.

Specifically, in relation to the international protection process, under Section 16 of the International protection Act 2015 an applicant for international protection is given a permission by the Minister to allow them enter and remain in the State for the sole purpose of the examination of his or her claim, including any appeal to the Tribunal in relation to same. An applicant who is a potential victim of trafficking and who wishes to leave the State during the assessment of their protection claim may seek the Minister’s permission to do so under current protocols.

Responsibility for the accommodation system and material supports for international protection applicants are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.