The Garda Síochána is to work with police forces worldwide to agree a protocol aimed at combating human trafficking.
The move is part of co-operation on trafficking by the 55 states of OSCE, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the largest regional security organisation in the world.
The OSCE's permanent council yesterday adopted an action plan to combat trafficking in human beings, which envisages new measures against what it terms "this modern form of slavery" at national and international level.
Fifty-five states including the US and all the countries of Europe approved recommendations for national action, including providing protection and shelter for victims of trafficking and establishing special anti-trafficking units to fight trafficking in countries of origin and destination states.
States were also urged to take appropriate measures to protect victims or witnesses who testify in criminal proceedings, as well as their relatives, from potential retaliation or intimidation.
Information exchanges between law enforcement bodies are also seen as critical.
The plan recommends the establishment of shelters for victims and says they should be assisted with repatriation, preferably voluntary, to their home countries.
Governments should also consider providing social and economic benefits to victims and ensure that anti-trafficking measures do not hinder the right of victims to apply for asylum in accordance with international refugee law.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Justice said gardaí at a conference of police experts next October will draw up a protocol for police forces to deal with trafficking. She said the Department along with the Garda would examine the action plan and the outcome of that conference.