Text-alert system recommended in missing-persons cases

A new report recommends that mobile phone companies should be asked to provide a text alert system to help trace missing persons.

The Dáil justice committee wants mobile phone operators to put in place a system where they could text everyone in a geographical area to be on the lookout for people who have gone missing.

The committee also wants a single helpline established for the reporting of missing persons, and the establishment of a Missing Persons Day to raise awareness of the issue.

Chairman of the committee Fine Gael TD David Stanton said he would like mobile phone companies on board to help with missing persons cases.