Amber Alert system for abducted children has been rolled out across Ireland

A long-awaited Amber Alert system for abducted children has been rolled out across Ireland more than three years after being given the go-ahead.

The Child Rescue Ireland (CRI) Alert will be triggered if gardai believe a child has been abducted and that there is an immediate and serious risk to his or her health or welfare. Senior gardai said the system - launched on International Missing Children's Day - has the potential to save the life of a child.

More than 130 youngsters who went missing in Ireland between 2007 and 2011 are still unaccounted for.

Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan said the aim of the scheme is to get the public's help in child abduction cases.

Road signs, the internet and media will be used to highlight cases. Once activated, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) will also be informed, the Commissioner said.

Sources:
Independent.ie