Written answers

Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Department of Justice and Equality

Human Trafficking

Photo of Cian O'CallaghanCian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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117. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the action he is taking to address child trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21437/25]

Photo of Jim O'CallaghanJim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The prevention, detection and prosecution of the crime of human trafficking is a priority for me and for this Government.

A number of significant measures have been taken to combat human trafficking, to create a more victim-centred approach to identifying and supporting victims; to raise public awareness and provide training to relevant people including professionals to detect, understand and combat human trafficking.

In order to encourage victims to come forward and access supports, in November 2023, the Third National Action Plan to prevent and combat human trafficking (2023-2027) was launched. It includes key actions in respect of the training of frontline workers, ensuring effective anti-trafficking screening measures are in place at point of entry to the State and establishing dedicated accommodation for victims of trafficking who have been trafficked for sexual exploitation.

The establishment of a revised National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is another key action under the National Action Plan. Under the revised NRM, a number of Departments and agencies will become competent authorities for the identification of victims of human trafficking in addition to An Garda Síochána. NGOs can also apply to be designated as “trusted partners” And will be able to make referrals to the competent authorities. This will make it easier for victims to be identified, come forward and access support.

The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Act 2024 put the revised NRM on a statutory footing. Preparatory work is underway to finalise operational aspects of the new mechanism before it can be launched, and the relevant provisions of the legislation commenced.

The identification and protection of child trafficking victims in Ireland is a key priority. While the majority of actions in the new National Action Plan on Human Trafficking relate to both adult and child victims, there are a number of child-specific measures included under each of the Plan’s pillars.

These include to:

  • Ensure that all professionals in contact with children, and working on child related matters, are qualified in dealing with and recognising victims of trafficking and act in the child’s best interest;
  • Enhance capabilities to locate children who are missing, including those who have run away from State care, and may be vulnerable to human trafficking;
  • Consider how best to collect and utilise data from across vulnerable groups identified to be at risk of human trafficking, including unaccompanied children; and
  • Protection of trafficked children in the criminal justice system.

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