Malcolm Byrne
Question:326. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures and resources in place to combat people trafficking into Ireland. [72616/25]
View answerWednesday, 17 December 2025
Questions (326)
Written answers
Human trafficking is a serious criminal offence and a grave violation of fundamental human rights. Combating this crime and supporting victims is a priority for Government and is addressed through a combination of policy coordination, operational measures, and funding across a number of Departments and agencies. Ireland operates a National Referral Mechanism for victims of human trafficking, which provides the framework for the identification of victims and their referral to appropriate supports. Work is underway to review and strengthen these arrangements in order to improve victim identification, inter-agency coordination, and access to supports.
A range of measures are in place to combat human trafficking and support victims. The Third National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking 2023–2027, provides a whole of government framework to prevent trafficking, protect victims, prosecute offenders, and strengthen coordination across the State.
Operational measures include criminal investigations by An Garda Síochána, specialist training for frontline staff, and targeted awareness-raising delivered in partnership with non-governmental organisations. Ongoing engagement with sectors such as hospitality, transport and security form a key part of this response. Resources to support these measures are provided through a combination of funding streams, including the Department’s Victims of Crime Fund, which supports organisations delivering services to victims of human trafficking alongside other victim cohorts to help improve their experience of the criminal justice system. Dedicated accommodation for female victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation has also been provided under the National Action Plan.