Shortfalls in Child Protection Standards Leading to Human Trafficking Concerns

Shortfalls in Child Protection Standards Leading to Human Trafficking Concerns - Ógra Aontú

The youth branch of the political party Aontú has expressed concerns that child protection standards in our care system is leaving children vulnerable to human trafficking.

Speaking today, spokesperson for the group, Laura O'Neill, who works as a youth worker, said:
"The practice, by the State and Tusla, of placing vulnerable children in unregulated "Special Emergency Accommodation" is leaving these children very exposed to trafficking. In recent months we're seen a dramatic rise in the number of children in these settings including many unaccompanied minors seeking international protection in the State. These children are oftentimes incredibly vulnerable having fled war, hunger or persecution, alone, without their families. The State is placing these children in unregulated settings, largely rented accommodation including hotel rooms, with staffing from third party providers".

Ms O'Neill, continued: "This practice is, we believe, illegal. Given our history of child abuse in this country, our child protection safeguards should be robust. Each of these children should be afforded a safe foster placement. The number of children going missing from these settings on an annual basis is absolutely shocking - and the refusal by the Gardaí to issue missing persons alerts is also a cause of national shame. Since 2017 more than 60 separated children who arrived in Ireland alone have gone missing from state care".

"Human Trafficking is an issue seldom discussed in this country. Unlike people smuggling, human trafficking does not always involve the crossing of international borders, and much of the trafficking which takes place in Ireland is domestic. Trafficking involves the unlawful act of transporting or coercing people for another person's gain. The primary type of human trafficking in Ireland is the sexual exploitation of children. This is a scandal. Over the coming months Ógra Aontú will be pressurising the government to end the practice of placing children in unregulated accommodation", concluded Ms O'Neill.

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The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

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