Exploitation we pretend not to see - People trafficking in Ireland

YESTERDAY’S exposé by The Guardian can hardly be described as an exposé at all — the evidence of people trafficking and exploitation is all around us if we care to open our eyes and ears.

The Guardian piece, a victory for old-fashioned, nose-to-the-ground journalism, is more an indictment of us all and should be commended for that.

How we react will be another indication of what we are really like; whether we are a caring, decent, honest society or a society prepared to turn a blind eye, again, to exploitation bordering on slavery, exploitation we would not tolerate if Irish workers — even Magdalene Laundry workers — were involved. Yesterday’s declarations from ministers Coveney and Howlin that immediate and decisive action would be taken are welcome but ring just a tone or two too hollow. A day late and a dollar short as they say in the movies.