The Immigration Council of Ireland has published a submission to the government, seeking sex buyer laws, better legal protections and compensation for victims of human trafficking.

It is also calling for victim identification, ending the practice of placing victims in direct provision centres and for criminal records of victims to be erased.

The council is calling on the government to honour its commitment to establish a national action plan against human trafficking.

Last year, at least 46 people were trafficked into Ireland for sexual or labour exploitation.

Figures from the US Department of State also found 13 children were among those exploited.

The Immigrant Council says firm deadlines and resources are needed to protect victims of trafficking.

Communications and advocacy officer for the Council, Jerry O' Connor, says a robust response is needed.

"We believe that by bringing in an all-encompassing national action plan, we can ensure that Ireland has a robust response to these crimes and that the message goes out loud and clear to the organised crimes gangs behind human trafficking that Ireland is no longer a soft target" he said.

Nusha Yonkova is anti-trafficking manager with the Immigrant Council.

She told Newstalk Breakfast the problem is still growing.