Victims of human trafficking in Ireland's asylum system are being "doubly disenfranchised" by direct provision.
That's according to the Immigrant Council of Ireland, which is launching a toolkit today to help people working in the system identify potential victims.
A new vulnerablity screening process for asylum seekers identified 38 trafficking victims -- two thirds of whom had been coerced into the sex trade.
Brian Killoran, chief executive of the Immigrant Council, says the direct provision system is long overdue a reform.
"Women who have come through sexual exploitation have some of the highest needs we have ever encountered in the organisation.
"In many cases they have a huge level of trauma based on the circumstances they have gone through.
"Direct provision isn't great for everybody, and also is an environment where victims of trafficking are doubly disenfranchised, and during the pandemic that was made worse again."
