A new report on Ireland's role in combating human trafficking has criticised the very low rate of prosecutions here, as well as the length of criminal proceedings.
The group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human beings report calls on the Irish authorities to take additional measures to ensure that human trafficking offences are investigated and prosecuted effectively, leading to proportionate and dissuasive sanctions.
It also calls for full use of all measures available to protect victims/witnesses of human trafficking and to prevent intimidation during the investigation and during and after the court proceedings
Its the first report from the The Council of Europe's expert body on trafficking.
It found that Ireland is primarily a destination for trafficking victims - and that 57 victims reported to Gardai in 2011 - down from 78 the year before.
The main type of exploitation between 2009 and 2011 was sexual exploitation, at 68 percent.
It recommends that Irish authorities further involve N-G-Os in anti-trafficking policy, and give them a formal role in identifying trafficking victims.
It also wants to see more attention given to prevention and protection measures for children - including setting up a specific mechanism for identifying child victims of trafficking.
The report also calls for specialised centers for victims of trafficking to be set up . At the moment victims of trafficking are housed in asylum centres.
