True figure estimated to be much higher.
38 cases of human trafficking into Ireland were identified last year but the real figure is expected to be much higher.
Cabinet Ministers approved a move this morning that will offer victims more avenues to come forward to authorities and seek help.
Human trafficking is cruel and disgusting. Victims must feel they can safely seek help when they need our support and protection. Glad that Cabinet today approved my proposals to make it easier for victims to come forward and escape the traffickers. https://t.co/2L8RaSsxVk
— Hildegarde Naughton (@1Hildegarde) May 11, 2021
At the moment it can only be done through An Garda Siochana - and there has been reluctance among human trafficking victims to come forward to police officers.
Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton says that has presented a challenge:
Minister Naughton says there's likely to be many more cases in Ireland than officially identified:
In addition to An Garda Síochána, it is being proposed that the following agencies will become competent authorities for the identification of victims of human trafficking:
- Department of Justice Immigration Services
- Department of Social Protection
- The HSE
- Tusla
- Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
- International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS)
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