The Irish Human Rights Commission has expressed concern about aspects of the Government's scheme to prevent human trafficking.
The commission has claimed that the possibility of deportation and subsequent revictimisation is not addressed in the scheme.
"Nor is there provision made in the scheme for the protection of children once identified as victims," the commission added.
"The commission recommends the development of appropriate and sensitive safeguards to ensure the full protection of the child victim."
In a submission to Minister for Justice Michael McDowell on the Criminal Justice (Trafficking in Persons and Sexual Offences) Bill 2007, the commission said careful consideration should be given to the development of new criminal offences into legislation.
"The framing of new offences, such as the introduction of the concept of 'grooming' of children for the purposes of sexual exploitation, is a new departure for the Irish system, and the commission believes its implementation should not be unduly rushed."
The commission also expressed concerns that certain terms in the scheme were not defined, while others needed clarification. These included the term "child pornography", the phrase "indecent or obscene", the term "sexual activity" and the concept of "a position of authority".
