At least 76 women trafficked into Ireland in recent years

A new study being published today reveals that at least 76 women have been illegally trafficked into Ireland over the past six years to work in the sex industry.

On the publication of the report gardaí joined forces with a prostitute support organisation today to help women that have been smuggled into the country to be sold for sex.

Ruhama, which helps women involved in prostitution, launched a campaign to encourage trafficking victims to come forward and seek out help.

It is displaying its campaign leaflets and posters in garda stations throughout the country as part of its initiative marking EU Anti-Trafficking Day.

Kathleen Fahy, Director of Ruhama, said they were hoping to persuade women caught up in the sex trade to look for support.

“Due to the covert nature of prostitution and trafficking, it has become increasingly more difficult to make contact with women who need help,” she said.

“We recognise the gardaí as one group which is particularly likely to meet this target group of women and so be in a position to make our services known to them.”

Ruhama officials have attended training courses held by the garda on the indicators of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

They have also met with senior management in the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to discuss the issues involved.

“Regular contact will be maintained between both parties, to ensure that victim welfare is prioritised in dealing with suspected cases of human trafficking and that those engaged in the criminal acts involved are brought to justice,” said Ms Fahy.