‘Number trafficked into State higher than 201’

The Council of Europe believes the true number of children, women, and men trafficked into Ireland, mostly for prostitution, in the space of three years is much higher than the official recorded figure of 201.

The first report by the Strasbourg-based human rights body since Ireland signed the convention against trafficking three years ago, questions the efforts made to find and prosecute those responsible.

According to the official figures taken from reports to the gardaí, there were 66 victims reported in 2009, 78 in 2010, and 57 in 2011.