Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 375: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37315/09]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 376: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37323/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 375 and 376 together. Following my request to the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to assess the need to establish a dedicated Missing Persons Unit within An Garda Síochána, including a response similar to Amber Alert, and to report their findings to me, the Inspectorate published its report earlier this year. One of its main recommendations was that an emergency alert system for missing children, similar to the Amber Alert system in place in other countries, should be established. I gave the go ahead for the implementation of this recommendation. I am informed by the Garda authorities that they have commenced preparatory work in that respect. A State-wide emergency system will provide An Garda Síochána with access to on-air broadcasters and other means of communication during the critical time in the event of child abduction. The application of such an alert system relies on the cooperation of agencies including telephone service providers, print and electronic media and television and radio service providers, as well as Government Departments and agencies. As the Inspectorate's report recognises, this is a challenging task which requires the support of a range of government agencies, NGOs and private sector representatives. It is not possible at this point to indicate a precise timeframe within which the system would go live. I am also informed by the Garda authorities that they are satisfied that all requests for cooperation received from the Spanish police through Interpol have been serviced. Any further requests from the Spanish authorities will receive appropriate attention. I am further informed that there is a Garda liaison officer based in the Irish Embassy in Madrid who will process any requests from the Spanish authorities regarding the matter referred to by the Deputy.