An anti-people trafficking group is warning that Ireland could face serious consequences for not fully complying with the criteria set out in an annual report by the US State Department.
The Trafficking in Persons Report rates countries by their efforts to recognise and tackle people trafficking.
Non-profit MECPATHS says Ireland must do more to stop people falling victim to sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation and forced labour.
Ireland is currently classed as a 'Tier 2' country, meaning the state is making an effort but is not fully compliant with standards set out by the US State Department.
Speaking to RedFM News JP O'Sullivan from MECPATHS, says Ireland only improved it's ranking from a 'Tier 2 Watchlist' country to the current classification in the last year:
"If we're to slip any further down than that Tier Two watch list, there are severe implications for the country. The US will not trade with any country that sits in a Tier Three ranking. Pre-clearance will be removed to the airports. So we've been identified very clearly as a soft touch by the US government, by Europol, by Interpol, countless reports".
