Vol. 426 No. 7
106 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice her views on whether existing legislation is satisfactory in view of recent evidence of internationally organised commercial tug of love mercenaries, specialising in child abduction; the plans, if any, she has for strengthened legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they have no knowledge of such groups operating in this country, but, if the Deputy has information on the subject, the Garda authorities will be glad to receive that information.
The Child Abduction and Enforcement of Custody Orders Act, 1991 gives the force of law to two international conventions designed to deal with problems arising in relation to the abduction of children across international frontiers. The conventions came into effect for this country on 1 October, 1991. These provisions, which have been operating satisfactorily, are in addition to criminal law provisions relating to kidnapping.
