Tackling human trafficking - Ireland cannot be a soft target for traffickers

It was entirely appropriate for the Immigrant Council of Ireland to mark the first UN designated World Day Against Trafficking by urging the Government to ensure that shortcomings in Irish law are properly addressed in its new action plan on human trafficking to this country.

Given the porous nature of Ireland’s rugged coastline, and the relative ease of access to Britain through Northern Ireland, this country is known to be an ideal target for those who prey on vulnerable people, especially the young women who arrive here on the promise of getting a job but end up working in the multimillion-euro sex trade. Othersbecome what are in effect slaves in the cannabis growing business.

The council is absolutely right to underline the urgent need for a robust approach to be taken in the national action plan when it is launched in the autumn. It is vital that an adequate support system be provided for the victims of trafficking.