Administrative Arrangements
(a) Establishment of Anti Human Trafficking Unit in the Department of Justice and Law Reform
The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit was established in the Department of Justice and Law Reform in February, 2008. The Unit is working to ensure that the State response to trafficking in human beings is coordinated, comprehensive and holistic. A key element of this strategy has been the development of a National Action Plan to Prevent and Tackle Trafficking in Human Beings.
(b) National Action Plan
A National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Trafficking in Human Beings for the years 2009 - 2012 was published on 10 June, 2009. The Plan focuses on preventing trafficking becoming a major issue in Ireland. It deals with: Prevention and Awareness Raising, Prosecution of Traffickers, Protection of Victims and Child Trafficking.
(c) High Level Group / Roundtable Discussions / Working Groups
An Interdepartmental High Level Group was established in late 2007 to recommend on an ongoing basis the most appropriate and effective responses to trafficking in human beings to the Minister. It comprises representatives from various Government Departments and Public Sector Agencies. The Roundtable discussions between governmental and non-governmental, public sector bodies and international organisations are held about 3 times a year. In addition, 5 interdisciplinary Working Groups were established in mid 2008 to progress matters and, in turn, report to the High Level Group. They deal with:
- Development of a National Referral Mechanism
- Awareness Raising and Training
- Child Trafficking
- Labour Exploitation Issues
- Sexual Exploitation issues.
(d) The Garda Síochána
The Garda Síochána, in their Annual Policing Plan for 2010 identify trafficking in human beings as one of the priorities for 2010 with increased priority given to prevention and targeting human trafficking and people smuggling through effective enforcement of national and international immigration laws. The Garda Síochána set up a dedicated Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit within the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) in 2009. The role of the Unit is to provide a lead in all policy issues in the area of human trafficking. The Unit is a centre of excellence for the Garda Síochána and oversees all investigation where there is an element of human trafficking and will provide advice, guidance and operational support for investigations.
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