The government today is set to unveil a new action plan to combat and prevent human trafficking, reports RTE.
Key objectives of the plan include developing a more victim-centred approach and identifying and prosecuting those involved in human trafficking.
Gardaí say they have officially identified 42 victims of human trafficking in Ireland last year.
Most of these victims are trafficked into the country for sexual exploitation, but others are brought in for labour exploitation.
However, a report by Mary Immaculate College in County Limerick suggests that the actual number of people trafficked in Ireland may be 38% higher than previously thought, reports RTE.
It is the third national anti-trafficking plan launched by the government and includes new measures to make it easier for victims to report, identify and access support.
There will be training for those who may come into contact with victims, anti-trafficking control measures at entry points into the country, and special accommodation for victims of human trafficking.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the government’s “Third National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking” would identify and assist victims of human trafficking, reports RTE.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he said the actual figure for human trafficking was “multiples” than the official figure of 42.
“When they’ve arrived here, they have been in some instances locked in rooms. They have been forced to engage in prostitution, when they haven’t they’ve been beaten. They’ve been starved. They’ve been raped,” reports RTE.
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