Warnings about potential Russian influence in upcoming Irish elections

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The Justice Minister has warned the public to be aware of where they access information amid a Russian threat of interference in upcoming local, European and general elections.

Helen McEntee has said online interference by Russia is "always a risk" and is being kept under continuous review by the gardaí.

It comes after the Government has been warned in a diplomatic cable sent by the US State Department of the potential attempts by the Kremlin to meddle in elections here.

Ms McEntee said: "I think that's always a risk, I think we've seen this in other countries, we've seen this in other jurisdictions, whether it's one particular country or any others, we have to be mindful of that and that is why we have a cybersecurity structure that has been set up in this country to look at different types of threats, whether it's hacking, whether it's interference of this kind, whether it's disinformation, which can have massive implications for democracy. So that is work that's ongoing."

She added that the gardaí has its own intelligence unit, that is constantly monitoring particular groups that put information online and factor in the implications of this disinformation.

"I would again remind people, if you are looking at information online, where's this information coming from? What are the sources can it be trusted?" Ms McEntee asked.

"You need to make sure that you are taking it from a trusted source."

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD

Ms McEntee was speaking at the launch of a new Action Plan to prevent and combat human trafficking which aims to create a more victim-centred approach to identifying and supporting victims, to raise awareness and provide training for those who need it and to prevent, detect and prosecute the culprits of this abhorrent crime.

She said: “Human trafficking is an exploitative and particularly heinous crime that preys on some of the most vulnerable, and is committed with no regard for life, dignity or for the most basic of human rights.

“Victims of trafficking can be found anywhere and are often hidden in plain sight, and their vulnerability can make them particularly hard to reach. Across Government, we acknowledge the seriousness of this crime and are determined to combat it."

She said the plan contains a number of important actions, including the development of a training framework for all who come into contact with potential victims of human trafficking and the strengthening of mechanisms currently in place to identify and support these victims.