Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the alert system that is in place when a child goes missing here; if there are any proposals under consideration to strengthen this system; if Ireland is in line with the current European alert system for missing children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15859/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that An Garda Síochána has put in place the Child Rescue Ireland (CRI) Alert system, to enable the Gardaí seek the assistance of members of the public in circumstances where a child has been abducted and there is a reasonable belief that there is an immediate and serious risk to the health or welfare of a child. The system was launched by the Garda Commissioner and myself on 25 May, 2012, International Missing Children Day.

CRI Alerts may only be initiated by an Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Síochána when the following criteria are met: 1. The child is under the age of eighteen years; 2. There is a reasonable belief that the child has been abducted; 3. There is a reasonable belief that there is an immediate and serious risk to the health or welfare of a child; 4. There is sufficient information available to enable the public to assist An Garda Síochána in locating the child.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the CRI Alert system is in line with European Union best practice and guidance regarding the development and introduction of national mechanisms for alerting the general public in the event of an alleged or actual abduction of a child in circumstances where there appears to be a serious risk to the child's safety.