New figures released today show the number of reported cases of child abduction in Ireland increased by 24 last year, compared with the figures for 2004.
The statistics, recorded by the Central Authority for Child Abduction in the Department of Justice, show that in 2005 there were 94 cases of child abduction, involving 154 children.
The authority processed 127 cases in 2005, including more than 30 cases carried forward from 2004.
These were divided between abductions into the State from other countries, and abductions from the State to other jurisdictions.
Of the new applications received by the authority last year, half involved Britain and almost 40% involved other EU member states.
