Walsh Heads Anti-Trafficking Group

An important job in the increasingly international battle to counter human trafficking was filled today.

Marion Walsh - a former private secretary to a number of ministers for justice - took up her new role as head of Ireland's first official unit to fight human trafficking.

Ms Walsh is charged with heading up the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, dedicated exclusively to co-ordinating and facilitating the implementation of a national strategy to address the growing problem.

She said: "I am very much in listening mode, and I am confident that we can work together to make a positive difference in tackling this crime, which has no place in a modern day Ireland."

Justice Minister Brian Lenihan announced the new unit last November. At the time he said: "The Head of the new Anti-Human Trafficking Unit will have a central role in fostering, maintaining and developing cooperative linkages at the highest policy level with other EU Member States and EU and other International organisations and institutions.

"Co-operation arrangements with the UK will clearly be particularly important in view of the common travel area and the land border with Northern Ireland," the Minister said.

Recent research has suggested at least 76 women were trafficked into the Republic over the last seven years but experts estimate 800,000 are trafficked worldwide each year.

(VB)