Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the date on which he gave the go-ahead for the establishment of an AMBER alert system; the progress to date on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43392/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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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 last 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.

Such systems are deployed where a set of clear criteria are met - that a child has been kidnapped; the child is at imminent risk of serious injury or death; there is sufficient information to describe the child; and the circumstances are such that an alert can be useful.

In April, 2009 I gave the go ahead for the implementation of this recommendation. An Garda Síochána is committed to its implementation and has commenced work on developing the most appropriate structure to give effect to the recommendation, taking account of progress at international level in the development of alert systems for missing children.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that an Assistant Commissioner has been appointed to oversee the introduction of such an alert system in this jurisdiction. The development of such a system is complex and requires a multi-agency approach. It will provide An Garda Síochána with access to on-air broadcasters and other means of communication during the critical period immediately after a child abduction. This will require the co-operation of a range of agencies, including Government Departments, phone service providers, electronic and print media, television and radio service providers and the public.