Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 787: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will discuss with the Garda Commissioner the setting up of an early warning and communications system on child abduction along the lines of AMBER Alert in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1909/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities that while the AMBER alert system is used very effectively in the United States of America, its effectiveness is due to the fact that it is designed to work towards achieving a uniform information/publicity plan across different states and to minimize potential delays due to confusion among varying jurisdictions.

The Garda Síochána differs in that it is a national police force operating in one jurisdiction. I understand that the Garda authorities are satisfied that Irish cases of missing persons that would meet the AMBER alert plan's criteria are all investigated fully.