Sixty-seven victims of trafficking were officially identified by An Garda Síochána in 2024, but it is believed that the true number is likely to be multiples of this.
A public awareness campaign on how to spot the signs of human trafficking in Ireland and encourage people to report concerns has been launched by Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan.
Certain industries are particularly vulnerable to trafficking, especially those involving hidden, informal, or low-wage work such as hospitality, agriculture and fishing, beauty services and manual labour.
The Harcourt Programme has been established to help "disrupt the financial infrastructure" enabling human trafficking and prevent, detect, and prosecute human trafficking by raising awareness, improving collaboration, and using technology and data more effectively.
The programme has been described as a "coordinated national initiative" led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland, EY, An Garda Síochána, and global human trafficking NGO, STOP THE TRAFFIK.
Jim O'Callaghan described human trafficking as "a grave violation of human rights that deprives people of their freedom and dignity".
He said it is happening in Ireland and is often hidden in plain sight. He added that under the law, trafficking is "a serious crime", carrying penalties of up to life imprisonment.
Mr O'Callaghan said the Government was taking decisive action to pursue traffickers and identify potential victims to ensure they can access supports they urgently need.
"The Third National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking sets out the actions underway to enhance prevention, protection, and prosecution efforts across the state.
"Through this cross-sector initiative, Ireland is sending a clear message: traffickers will find no safe harbour here. By staying alert, reporting concerns, and working together, we can help ensure that victims are brought to safety and perpetrators are brought to justice," he said.
Human Trafficking is on the rise globally, according to partner at EY Jenny Pattwell, with profits from forced labour and sexual exploitation reaching $236 billion annually.
She said this was driven by challenges such as economic instability, global health emergencies, armed conflict and climate disasters but that it is also happening in urban and rural communities in Ireland.
"By shining a light on the connections between everyday financial transactions and human trafficking, our aim is to encourage people to stop, think and act when something looks or feels wrong," she said.
Trafficking is also a financial crime.
According to Head of Financial Crime with the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) Niamh Davonport, every act of exploitation generates illicit funds that flow through banks and payment systems, making financial institutions critical in detecting and disrupting these networks.
BPFI member banks have strengthened their ability to detect and report suspicious activity by training front-line staff to recognise red flags.
It has partnered with law enforcement to ensure that when indicators of exploitation appear, they are acted upon quickly and effectively.
"By enforcing strong anti-money laundering measures and monitoring suspicious activity, the financial sector plays a vital role in dismantling the economic infrastructure of trafficking.
"Through this campaign, we want to raise public awareness and reaffirm our sector’s commitment to working alongside government, law enforcement, and NGOs to stop trafficking at every level," she said.
Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan at the Garda National Protective Services Bureau has asked the public to be vigilant.
He pointed out that trafficking often hides behind "everyday situations", and awareness can make the difference.
Signs that someone may be a victim of human trafficking include no access to personal legal documents or bank accounts; working unusually long hours; living in unsafe or overcrowded housing; never alone, always accompanied by someone else; under the watch of an adult who seems protective or controlling; signs of physical or psychological abuse such as anxiety, bruising or untreated medical conditions; fearful and distrustful of authorities, even though they need help; little to no contact with family or loved ones.
If you are a victim of human trafficking, or suspect someone is being exploited for human trafficking, you can report it to a dedicated email address at blueblindfold@garda.ie or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
