8 trafficked children in NI

He said the information was provided by the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB).

Providing the information he explained that due to the small numbers involved, the figures had to be provided for the region overall to avoid personal disclosure.

Between January 2009 and September 2012 eight children were classed as having been trafficked or suspected of having been trafficked.

Six were allocated a Guardian Ad Litem. The parents of six of the children had been established and three were recorded as missing.

Mr Poots stated: “The information provided is based on information returns submitted by Health and Social Care Trusts to the HSCB. Information returns seek clarity on whether trafficking has been confirmed or suspected and that trafficking concerns have been addressed as part of the assessment process.

“The information provided includes both categories of trafficked children. Where the Trust has instigated legal proceedings the young person has an appointed Guardian Ad Litem.”