Action required on human trafficking

The teenage girl who was found in a distressed state in Dublin more than two weeks ago has had to remain in hospital under armed guard because the HSE does not have secure accommodation for her.

When found, the girl — who is only 13 or 14 — had apparently been drugged and sexually assaulted.

Gardaí have been having difficulty communicating with her as she speaks very little and does not appear to be able to read or write. She also appears to be terrified of men. They suspect that she was brought to this country from Eastern Europe to work in the sex trade.