Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 390: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the establishment of a dedicated missing persons unit including a response network similar to the amber alert in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15193/09]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 446: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a report from the Garda Inspectorate regarding the need to establish a dedicated missing persons unit, including a response network similar to the amber alert in the USA. [15509/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 446 together.

In July 2008, I asked the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to undertake a review and advise on the need to establish a dedicated Missing Persons Unit within An Garda Síochána and a response network for missing children similar to "Amber Alert" in the USA. This was in accordance with a commitment made in the Programme for Government.

I have received the Inspectorate's report. It finds overall that Garda systems for handling missing persons cases are in line with international best practice and makes recommendations on how these systems can be further enhanced. One of its key recommendations is that an emergency alert system for missing children, similar to the "Amber Alert" in place in other countries, should be established. I welcome this recommendation. The establishment of such an emergency alert system will be a challenging task and will require the support of a whole range of governmental agencies, NGOs and the media, as well as the support of the public.

The Garda Commissioner has welcomed the report and has indicated that An Garda Síochána will move forward with a commitment to working in partnership with governmental and non-governmental organisations dedicated to locating missing persons.