Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 May 2017
112. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a company (details supplied) has not being granted the approval to issue an online social media amber text alert here in the event of a child or youth going missing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26171/17]
View answerI have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter raised and I will contact the Deputy directly on receipt of this report.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 112 for answer on 31 May 2017 where you asked "the reason a company (details supplied) has not being granted the approval to issue an online social media amber text alert here in the event of a child or youth going missing".
As you may recall, the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that there is an alert scheme in place, Child Rescue Ireland (CRI) which was launched on 25 May 2012. A CRI Alert is a short-term high-profile alert to members of the public circulated through the media, information broadcasters and other partners (NRA etc) seeking assistance to recover a child who has been abducted, in the circumstances where:
- the child is under 18 years of age;
- there is a reasonable belief that the child has been abducted;
- there is a reasonable belief that there is an immediate and serious risk to the health or welfare of the child;
- there is sufficient information available to enable the public to assist An Garda Síochána in locating the child.
I hope you find this information useful.
