Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 369: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding available to the gardaí to deal with the issue of trafficking of humans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22343/09]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 370: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding available to his Department to deal with the issue of trafficking of humans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22344/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 369 and 370 together.

Further to Parliamentary Questions No 202 of 3 July 2008 and 285 of 9 December 2008 I can confirm funding for human trafficking activities are paid for as part of the general expenditure from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Garda Votes. Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform expenditure: In addition to the resources deployed in my Department's Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, staff in the Crime, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, the Reception and Integration Agency, the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner are also involved in anti-human trafficking related measures. Garda Síochána expenditure: There are currently over 275 personnel (Garda and civilian) attached to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). The Gardaí are dedicated to dealing with immigration law and the law on trafficking of persons. Within the GNIB there is a Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit which provides assistance and investigative expertise in the investigation of these crimes. The work undertaken by the Garda Síochána in relation to human trafficking is assisted by a network of members of the Garda Síochána who are employed as liaison officers in major cities in a number of EU Member States and in international organisations such as Europol and Interpol.

In addition there are dedicated Immigration Officers attached to each Garda District throughout the State who also deal with trafficking in human beings issues. The GNIB, in conjunction with the Garda College, has trained over 500 Gardaí in the identification of victims of trafficking in persons and the investigation of crimes of human trafficking. These trained Gardaí are strategically placed in Districts throughout the State. Since 2008 all student Gardaí are receiving training in human trafficking with over 700 having received such training to date.