Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
785. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if they have undertaken to examine the rate of child trafficking in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14850/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe prevention, detection and prosecution of the crime of human trafficking, including child trafficking is a priority for me and the Government. The incidence of identified child trafficking cases is monitored on an ongoing basis through data compiled by An Garda Síochána and my Department. In 2024, 10 minors were identified out of a total of 67 victims of human trafficking. In 2025, 18 minors were identified out of a total of 114 victims.
While the absolute number of identified child victims increased, the proportion of children among all identified victims of human trafficking has remained broadly consistent at approximately 15 to 16 percent. As with all human trafficking data, these figures reflect persons formally identified through the State’s National Referral Mechanism for victims of trafficking.
In order to further strengthen the evidence base, my Department is seeking to undertake specific research into child trafficking under the 2026 Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship. This research will examine the incidence of child trafficking in the Irish context, including for both sexual and criminal exploitation purposes, and will identify methods for defining and collecting data in relation to child trafficking. The findings of this research will inform future policy and operational responses.
A range of measures have been taken to combat human trafficking and to strengthen the State’s victim centred approach to identification and support, including raising awareness and providing targeted training to front-line professionals. In 2023, the Third National Action Plan to prevent and combat human trafficking (2023-2027) was launched. The plan includes key actions in respect of the training of front-line workers, strengthening anti-trafficking screening measures at point of entry to the State and establishing dedicated accommodation for victims of trafficking who have been trafficked for sexual exploitation.
The identification and protection of child trafficking victims in Ireland is a key priority. While the majority of actions in the new National Action Plan on Human Trafficking relate to both adult and child victims, there are a number of child-specific measures included under each of the Plan’s pillars.
These include to:
• Ensure that all professionals in contact with children, and working on child related matters, are qualified in dealing with and recognising victims of trafficking and act in the child’s best interest;
• Enhance capabilities to locate children who are missing, including those who have run away from State care, and may be vulnerable to human trafficking;
• Consider how best to collect and utilise data from across vulnerable groups identified to be at risk of human trafficking, including unaccompanied children; and
• Strengthen protections for trafficked children in the criminal justice system.
