|
Minister for Justice,
Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 43
together.
I can inform the Deputy that legislation is at an advanced stage of
preparation in my Department which will create a specific offence of
trafficking in human beings for the purpose of their sexual and labour
exploitation as provided for in EU Council Framework Decision on
combating trafficking in persons. The criminal law provisions in other
international instruments, including the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress
and Punish trafficking in Persons, especially women and children,
supplementing the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime
and the Council of Europe Convention on action against trafficking in
human beings are also being taken into account in the legislation.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that there is no evidence to
suggest that there is any increase in trafficking in persons into this
jurisdiction for the purposes of sexual exploitation. I am further
informed that evidence of any involvement by criminal gangs operating
within or outside this jurisdiction in the trafficking or smuggling of
non-nationals into the State is difficult to adduce.
The Garda Síochána takes a proactive approach and is ever vigilant to
ensure that any allegations relating to trafficking in human beings are
vigorously investigated. A number of specific Garda operations have been
put in place to discover the extent to which Ireland has been targeted
by persons suspected of being engaged in trafficking in persons, to
prevent such activity and, where such activity is disclosed, to gather
evidence to be used in any prosecution which may be initiated. I am
informed by the Garda authorities that these operations are ongoing. One
such operation, Operation Quest, was established under the direction of
the assistant commissioner in charge of national support services to
investigate allegations that non-nationals are being trafficked into
this country for the purpose of employment in the sex industry.
During the course of Garda investigations the gardaí liaise as necessary
with Ruhama, an NGO which assists women who are the victims of violence.
Persons reporting that they have been trafficked are always treated
sympathetically by members of the Garda Síochána.
I am informed that the gardaí have recently had discussions with the UK
law enforcement authorities following the introduction there of
Operation Pentameter, which was established to disrupt the activities of
organised criminal gangs suspected of involvement in trafficking in
human beings. The Garda Síochána has agreed to support the operation
through sharing of intelligence and to put in place appropriate
enforcement activities arising from any possible displacement to this
jurisdiction.
I can inform the Deputy that a training programme has recently been
designed by personnel at the Garda National Immigration Bureau to assist
all officers in recognising people who may be victims of trafficking and
to enable them to receive the appropriate assistance from all the
relevant agencies. The training will be delivered to all personnel by
staff at the Garda College.
In addition, the Garda Síochána participates on the Interpol Working
Group on Trafficking in Women. The group has recently published a manual
for investigators which is a practical guide to best practice in the
investigation of this type of criminal activity. Personnel from the
Garda National Immigration Bureau also regularly attend meetings,
seminars and conferences designed to share information and devise
policies to combat immigration offences, including trafficking and
smuggling of human beings.
A working group on trafficking in human beings, chaired by my Department
, is examining the extent and nature of trafficking into Ireland for the
purposes of sexual exploitation and reviewing various measures in place
to combat the phenomenon. |
CiaranCuffe.com