Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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188. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the degree of people trafficking detected over the past three years to date; the action proposed or in hand to deal with the issues arising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26723/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Human trafficking is an exploitative and particularly heinous crime that preys on some of the most vulnerable, and is committed with no regard for life, dignity or for the most basic of human rights.

Across Government, we acknowledge the seriousness of this crime and are determined to reach and help those who have been affected by it and to take them out of these horrific situations.

Last year I published a new strategy to combat human trafficking which reflects and demonstrates our renewed determination to prevent this crime and to ensure victims are identified and supported - both nationally and in cooperation with our international partners.

This new action plan also sets out how the cross-Departmental and multi-agency work to combat this criminal activity and support victims will be taken forward.

Key actions include:

• Establishment of a new National Referral Mechanism, which will make it easier for victims to come forward, be identified and access support. It will ensure that victims can come forward to a range of agencies and not just An Garda Siochana as is currently the case. This is in recognition of the fact that victims may, due to experiences in their own countries, not trust police services.
• New and widespread training for all who may come into contact with victims of human trafficking across Departments and State agencies. This will include the Border Management Unit, as well as health and social care professionals, professionals in contact with children, and working on child-related matters, and Civil Registration Services staff working in the HSE.
• Ongoing development of training, through NGOs, targeting front line staff in industries such as hospitality, airline and shipping who may come into contact with trafficked persons
• Ensure effective anti-trafficking screening measures are in place at point of entry to the State
• Establish dedicated accommodation for victims of trafficking, ensuring that victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation are provided with gender-specific accommodation