Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has called on Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan to prioritise implementation of the new legislation

During the week of action, Gardaí arrested one individual in relation to an alleged people smuggling incident earlier this year and another individual in relation to alleged people smuggling incidents in 2022 and 2023.

Police raided a property in south Belfast on Friday night.

The increase was seen in the number of referrals received by Flourish NI in the first 10 months of 2024.

Some 53 victims of human trafficking, including five children, were officially identified in Ireland in 2023, while a “stark increase” in female victims was also recorded.

A Derry man who conspired to traffic migrants into Britain is to be extradited there for breaching the terms of his release from prison, after he was accused of a number of other charges including trying to murder his ex-partner

Stephen Andrew McLaughlin (44) was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment in 2016 for conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK in August 2014

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said drug use on both sides of the border has become prevalent and has led to a 25% rise in the price of cocaine.

Kevin Hyland criticised the Government's proposed legislation, arguing it lacks a range of protections.