Human trafficking not a crime in Ireland

TRAFFICKING of men, women and children for the sex trade or other exploitation is not a crime in Ireland — the only EU country where it is not illegal.

This is despite the US authorities identifying Ireland this year for the first time as a destination, entry and transit country for traffickers for some of the thousands that move through Europe every year.

Children make up significant numbers of those trafficked but nobody knows how many arrive in Ireland and dozens of those taken into State care disappear every year the European Parliament was told during a debate on trafficking.