Petition seeks EU alert system for missing children

A petition is due to be presented to the European Commission in Dublin today as part of a campaign for an EU-wide alert system for missing children.

The campaign is being led by the family of missing Dublin teenager Amy Fitzpatrick, who disappeared in Spain on New Year's Day.

The 15-year-old's parents will present today's petition of 20,000 signatures along with Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald.

Ms McDonald is calling on the Taoiseach to raise the idea of an alert system with the French President Nicolas Sarkozy when he visits Ireland later this month.