On 30 July this year, Cork County PPN was proud to host the Sexual Violence Centre Cork, and Cork Against Human Trafficking on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. We are sorry to note today that Ireland continues to be classified as a Tier 2 country in the 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report issued by the U.S. Department of State.
This tier indicates that the Irish government’s efforts to combat human trafficking still falls short of fully meeting the minimum standards required under U.S. legislation.
Key Developments and Legislative Changes
Recent years have seen increased activity in tackling trafficking, including a rise in investigations and convictions under anti-trafficking laws. Funding for victim support services and awareness initiatives has grown, and frontline personnel have received enhanced training. A new legal framework has been introduced to reform the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), aiming to improve how victims are identified and supported. Additionally, employment mobility for migrant workers has been expanded.
Despite these advancements, several critical issues remain unresolved. Ireland has yet to secure a conviction for labour trafficking under its dedicated legislation. The updated NRM has not been fully implemented, leaving gaps in victim identification and support. Irish nationals and children are rarely recognised as victims, and accommodation options for survivors remain inadequate. Furthermore, no trafficking victim has received financial compensation to date.
Law Enforcement and Prosecution
The Garda Síochána’s Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit (HTICU) initiated 67 new investigations in 2024, up from 53 the previous year. These targeted 19 suspects across various forms of trafficking. While two labour trafficking cases were brought forward, no new sex trafficking prosecutions occurred for the second consecutive year. One individual was convicted under trafficking laws and sentenced to four and a half years, with others convicted for related crimes such as rape and money laundering.
International organisations, including GRETA and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), have criticised Ireland’s limited convictions and lenient sentencing. They recommend adopting more advanced investigative techniques and trauma-informed approaches to better support victims and strengthen prosecutions.
Victim Protection and Support
In 2024, 67 victims were formally identified—mostly foreign nationals—with no Irish citizens recognised and few child victims. NGOs played a role in identifying additional potential victims but lacked formal authority under the current NRM. The fishing industry, despite known risks, saw no victims identified for the second year running.
While funding for victim services increased to €2.21 million, accommodation remains a concern. Most victims are housed in the direct provision system, which has been deemed unsuitable due to privacy and safety issues. Legal protections such as interpreters and temporary residence permits are inconsistently applied, and victims continue to be denied restitution.
Prevention and Oversight
Efforts to prevent trafficking include maintaining online resources and conducting inspections through the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). However, enforcement of labour recruitment regulations remains weak. Many victims report paying excessive permit fees, contributing to debt bondage. Inspectors often treat trafficking indicators as labour law breaches rather than criminal offences, and lack authority to investigate high-risk sectors like fishing.
Recommendations for Improvement
The TIP Report outlines several recommendations for Ireland, including:
- Fully implementing the revised NRM to allow broader victim identification and support.
- Enhancing prosecution efforts, particularly for labour trafficking, and ensuring appropriate sentencing.
- Strengthening oversight of recruitment agencies and enforcing bans on worker-paid fees.
- Providing safe, trauma-informed accommodation for victims.
- Ensuring victims are not penalised for crimes committed as a result of being trafficked.
- Expanding access to legal aid and establishing a national trafficking hotline.
- Increasing efforts to secure restitution and compensation for victims.