A WOMAN TRAFFICKED for forced labour was held in prison despite gardaí being aware she was a victim of exploitation, a prominent migrant rights group has said.
According to the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI), gardaí were notified over five months ago that she was a potential victim of trafficking for forced labour.
The woman, who was being held in prison on a related criminal matter, was granted bail last week before the High Court following the refusal of her first bail attempt last November, as gardaí had not made a decision on her request for protection under anti-trafficking legislation.
“According to the information that we have regarding her case, she is the victim of trafficking for forced labour,” said MRCI project leader Gráinne O’Toole. “The gardaí were notified of her claim of trafficking for forced labour last October, and five months later they have yet to make a decision.
“Meanwhile her freedom and liberty were being denied. She has been through a horrendous experience.”
In Ireland, trafficking cases are referred to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) for investigation, and gardaí must decide whether there are reasonable grounds that a person has been trafficked into Ireland.
Where reasonable grounds are determined, victims of trafficking are entitled to receive certain state protections including accommodation, social assistance and legal advice while the case is further investigated.
In light of this case, the MRCI has called on Justice Minister Dermot Ahern TD to take serious action to protect those trafficked for forced labour.
