A total of 528 human trafficking cases have been reported to the Gardai in the past 10 years.
Gardaí are investigating
There has been a big increase in the instances of Human trafficking reported in Ireland, new figures have revealed.
There were 63 incidents dealt with by the Gardai so far this year as of July 18.
This is almost as many in seven months as the total 68 cases reported for the whole of last year.
A total of 528 human trafficking cases have been reported to the Gardai in the past 10 years.
The lowest number was 35 in 2015 while the highest is the 68 cases in 2024.
News in 90 Seconds – August 16th
The figures weRe released by the Justice Minister Jim O’ Callaghan in reply to a parliamentary question from the Aontu leader Peadar Toibin.
Reacting to the data the Minister said: “The prevention, detection. and prosecution of the crime of human trafficking is a priority for the Government.
“Significant measures have been taken to create a more victim centres approach to identifying and supporting victims, to raise public awareness and provide training to relevant people including professionals to detect, understand and combat human trafficking.”
He said the State has established a new National Referral Mechanism (NRM) under anew and revised current National plan.
He added: “Under the revised NRA , responsibility for the formal identification of victims of trafficking will be expanded beyond An Garda Siochana to include a range of designated departments and State agencies each of which will be authorised as a competent authority.”