Govt sets up unit to fight human trafficking

The Government has set up a new special unit to combat human trafficking, it was announced today.

A senior official is to be appointed to head up the unit which will be part of the Department of Justice.

The measure follows the introduction of proposed laws, the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Bill, to outlaw people smuggling for the sex trade or illegal labour.

Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan said a new Executive Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit would take charge of national strategies while working with international agencies.

“Human trafficking is, by its very nature, a crime that crosses national state boundaries,” he said.

“Constant vigilance, active international liaison and full co-operation between relevant authorities is vital to counter it.”

The Executive Director will be a key member of a ’high level group’ being set up to thwart any trafficking into Ireland, according to the minister.

The unit will also work closely with the Gardaí and the Irish National Immigration Service.

“Such co-operation with the various resources at the State’s disposal will ensure a comprehensive and proactive response to the issue of human trafficking,” said Mr Lenihan.

The minister told the Dáil last month people smuggling was not a significant problem in Ireland but that it could grow if action is not taken.

Recent research suggested that a minimum of 76 women were probably trafficked into the Republic over the last seven years, he said.

Experts calculate an estimated 800,000 people are trafficked worldwide each year, with some 2.5 million people recruiting, entrapping, transporting and exploiting.

In September, Mr Lenihan set up another special unit within his department charged with a crackdown on child pornography and online sex predators.