An Garda Síochána and Facebook have teamed up to ensure that every Facebook user in Ireland will receive an alert when a child goes missing and is believed to be in serious danger.

The extension of the Child Rescue Ireland (CRI) system to the social network means that when gardaí issue an alert, all 2.8 million Irish Facebook users will see information pertaining to the case displayed at the top of their newsfeed.

CRI was launched in May 2012, and used for the first time in July 2013.

During an alert, information relating to the missing child is given to the public via broadcast and social media as well as electronic road signs.

Facebook said the difference between these messages and the new system is the ability to instantly share the alert.

Q&A: How child rescue alerts will work on Facebook

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said the extent of Facebook’s reach means that its ability to communicate the alerts to a significant portion of the national population is "unparalleled".

Facebook Director of Trust and Safety Emily Vacher, a former FBI agent, said the new alert "includes a picture of the child and any information that the public would need to be able to help find this child, for example a description of the vehicle.

"People will also be able to share the CRI Alert with their Facebook community, in hopes of extending the reach even further".

There have been six alerts since the system was established, five of which had positive outcomes.

Ms Vacher said it is hoped the alert will never have to appear for users, but said if a user sees one, then they are in a geographic search area and help find the child.



