The Department of Justice handled 72 cases of child abduction last year, according to figures released this morning.
The cases involved 112 children, representing an increase of seven cases on 2001.
The figures include 51 cases concerning abductions into the State from other countries and 42 abductions from the State to other countries. The cases were dealt with by the Central Authority for Child Abduction within the Department.
In 10 incoming cases, the High Court ordered the return of children to other countries; in three cases the Court refused the return of a child. In 14 cases the children were either returned voluntarily or the parties reached an agreement. Nine applications were withdrawn and 13 cases were awaiting resolution at the end of the year.
In eight cases, foreign courts ordered the return of the children, in two cases the foreign court refused the return of a child, and in nine cases the children were returned voluntarily or the parties reached an agreement. Seven applications concerning abduction out of the State were withdrawn and 13 cases were awaiting resolution at the end of the year.
Of the cases dealt with by the Central Authority in 2002, 65 per cent involved the United Kingdom, 10 per cent involved other EU countries, 9 per cent the United States and 16 per cent other states.
Since 1991, 865 cases involving 1,456 children were dealt with by the Department.
