Minister Naughton notes first sentences handed down for human trafficking

First sentences for involvement in human trafficking handed down at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court

Minister acknowledges the dedication of An Garda Síochána in investigating and tackling this harrowing crime

Minister of State for Civil and Criminal Justice, Hildegarde Naughton TD, today noted the sentences handed down in Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court for involvement in human trafficking and acknowledges that significant sentences were imposed for such heinous crimes.

Minister Naughton said:

"Human trafficking is a heinous crime that will not be tolerated in Ireland. The sentences handed down today reflect the fact that our efforts to tackle it are paying off. We are making intensive efforts to combat human trafficking and bring the traffickers who cruelly exploit vulnerable people to justice.

"We have also introduced significant measures over the past year to create a more victim-centred approach to identifying and supporting victims, and to raise awareness and provide training."

This ongoing work is, in some cases, already well-advanced, and includes:

the approval by Government earlier this year to revise the National Referral Mechanism to make it easier for victims of trafficking to come forward, be identified and access advice, accommodation and support
the drafting of a new National Action Plan on Human Trafficking
the development of training, through NGOs, targeting front line staff in industries such as hospitality, airline and shipping who may come into contact with trafficked persons
the work being undertaken to provide dedicated accommodation for female victims of sexual exploitation
the improvements being made to the Criminal Justice System to support victims through the implementation of Supporting a Victim's Journey
the running of a new awareness raising campaign in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to build on the success of previous campaigns
an increase in funding for supporting victims of crime generally and increased funding dedicated specifically to supporting victims of trafficking

Minister Naughton added:

"Combatting human trafficking is, and will continue to be, a priority for this government and I would again like to commend the members of An Garda Síochána for their hard work in investigating and obtaining the evidence necessary to secure convictions in this complex case."

Minister Naughton notes first sentences handed down for human trafficking

First sentences for involvement in human trafficking handed down at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court

Minister acknowledges the dedication of An Garda Síochána in investigating and tackling this harrowing crime

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