VZCZCXYZ0002
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHDL #0006 0081508
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 081508Z JAN 10
FM AMEMBASSY DUBLIN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0399
UNCLAS DUBLIN 000006
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KCRM PHUM KWMN SMIG KFRD ASEC PREF ELAB EI
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON IRELAND'S EFFORTS TO COMBAT TRAFFICKING IN
PERSONS
1. (SBU) Summary: Despite recent negative media attention, Ireland
has made significant strides in addressing instances of trafficking
in persons (TIP) within its borders. At present, 57 investigations
are ongoing, with a single case before the courts. A further three
individuals were convicted in Romania, largely on the basis of Irish
evidence. A final case is due to commence in Wales in January 2010.
To date, ten suspected victims have been granted recovery and
reflection periods, which have been extended as required. End
Summary.
Media Attention
---------------
2. (SBU) On January 3, the Irish Independent newspaper reported that
trafficking of foreign women for the sex industry is now endemic
throughout the country. In the article, Fine Gael spokesman, Denis
Naughton noted "it is well over a year since the introduction of
human-trafficking legislation, yet the Government has failed to
establish adequate protections and secure accommodation for these
victims and to ensure prosecutions against traffickers occur." On
January 6, PolOff spoke with Gerardine Coyle of the Department of
Justice's Anti-Human Trafficking Unit. Despite the negative report,
Coyle said that anti-TIP efforts have progressed well over the past
year.
Ongoing Investigations
----------------------
3. (SBU) Coyle said that, during the past year, the police have
investigated 57 human trafficking offences. Of these, 37 relate to
possible offences under the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act
2008; eighteen to possible offences under the Illegal Immigrants
Trafficking Act, 2000 and the remaining two to offences under the
Child Pornography Act, 1998. A number of files are with the
Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision on whether or not to
prosecute. There is currently one case before the courts where a
person is charged with a human trafficking offence under the
Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 in relation to the
trafficking of a child for sexual exploitation. This case was
listed for service of a book of evidence at Dublin District Court on
6 November 2009 when a bench warrant was issued for the accused.
International Co-operation
--------------------------
4. (SBU) Coyle indicated that, following a joint police trafficking
investigation by Ireland and Romania, three people were sentenced (7
years imprisonment for the gang leader and 5 years imprisonment for
each of the co-accused) in Romania for offences including the
trafficking of human beings to Ireland, illegal possession of
firearms ,and organizing a criminal syndicate. The persons involved
had returned to Romania from Ireland and were tried there largely on
the basis of evidence gathered by the Irish police. This case
focused on trafficking for the purpose of labor exploitation and
involved 28 victims. A fourth person is awaiting trial in Wales on
charges of trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation
following raids on brothels in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland
and the UK under Operation Abbey. Operation Abbey is an
investigation primarily targeting an organized prostitution gang.
Their activities include human trafficking, trafficking in
prostitution, controlling prostitution and money laundering. The
trial in this case is due to commence in Cardiff in January 2010.
The case is likely to involve up to 130 members of the Irish police
and five of the alleged victims of trafficking providing evidence by
television link from Ireland to the court in Cardiff.
Recovery and Reflection
-----------------------
5. (SBU) Coyle noted that, since the enactment of the Criminal Law
(Human Trafficking) Act, a total of ten persons have been granted a
period of recovery and reflection. A further person (an EU
national) has been identified as a suspected victim of trafficking.
Of the ten recovery and reflection periods granted, four have
expired and these four persons have since been granted six months
temporary residence permits with two of these in their second six
months temporary residence permission.
FAUCHER