A senior civil servant has been appointed as the first head of the new anti-human trafficking unit.
Marion Walsh, a principal officer in the Department of Justice, will co-ordinate Government efforts to stop human trafficking into Ireland. Human trafficking is the illegal trade in people that often involves bringing girls or young women into the country so they can work as prostitutes and earn money for the traffickers.
Ms Walsh made it clear yesterday that she was not interested in chasing the victims of trafficking, who are often in the country illegally.
"I look forward to working with governmental and non-governmental agencies in developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy which will prevent trafficking, prosecute traffickers and protect victims," said Ms Walsh.
"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."
The recently published Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill gives the victims of trafficking special rights to stay in the country, initially for 45 days' "recovery and reflection".
After that, the victim can stay in the country for another six months if they help gardaí investigate their case.
The new unit will work with Ireland's NGOs to deal with the human toll of this "sordid and heinous crime", said Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan.
The NGOs will have an important part to play, said Mr Lenihan, particularly in relation to follow-up service provision to victims of human trafficking.
Ms Walsh has worked for the Civil Service for her entire career. She has been private secretary to a number of ministers for justice. She helped set up the office of the refugee applications commissioner and immediately prior to her current appointment she served in the criminal law reform area of the department.
The appointment comes as the Government is creating a "high-level group" to combat trafficking. The group will work on methods to tackle trafficking while protecting the rights of the victims.